Ratan Tata’s recently reviewed Will took everyone by surprise, when a third of his residual assets, estimated to be worth Rs 500 core, was left in the name of Mohini Mohan Dutta, one of his long-time associate from Jamshedpur.
The remainder of his wealth will be offered to charities and Ratan Tata’s half-sister, which they wish to donate as well. Ratan Tata died on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86.
However, legal experts have predicted scrutiny over estate allocation, according to a report in the Economic Times.
Who Is Mohini Mohan Dutta?
Mohini Mohan Dutta is an entrepreneur in the travel sector and hails from Jamshedpur. His surprising inclusion in Ratan Tata’s Will has surprised everyone in the Tata family, according to the report.
Dutta and his family used to own the travel agency Stallion, which was combined with Taj Services, an arm of Taj Group of Hotels in 2013. Mohini Dutta and his family owned an 80 per cent stake in Stallion and the rest was owned by Tata Industries. He has also worked as the director of TC Travel Services, an affiliate of Thomas Cook, the report added.
According to the report, people close to Ratan Tata say that Dutta was part of his close circle. Additionally, Dutta has two daughters, of which one has worked for Tata Trusts for nine years. She has also served as an employee at Taj Hotels before joining Tata Trusts.
First Meeting In Jamshedpur
During Ratan Tata’s funeral in October, Dutta said that he had known the conglomerate for six decades. They first crossed paths in Jamshedpur at the Dealers’ hostel when Ratan Tata was 24 years old.
“He helped me out and really built me up,” the report quoted Dutta as saying.
Ratan Tata’s Will
Tata’s Will was made public around two weeks after his demise. He allocated his wealth to various beneficiaries, including his brother, half-sisters, his dedicated household staff, and his executive assistant Shantanu Naidu. He had also added various provision in his Will to provide unlimited care to his pet German Shepherd Dog, Tito. His stakes in Tata Sons were given to the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust.
