Ratan Tata’s Will Sparks Controversy as THIS Associate Inherits Over ₹500 Crore

Ratan Tata's recently unveiled will has garnered attention due to a significant bequest to Mohini Mohan Datta, a close associate outside the Tata family. According to a report by The Economic Times, Datta has been bequeathed over ₹500 crore in residual assets.

Who is Mohini Mohan Datta?

Mohini Mohan Datta hails from Jamshedpur and was the co-owner of Stallion, a travel agency that later merged with the Taj Group of Hotels under the Taj Services arm in 2013. Datta's family owned an 80% stake in Stallion, while Tata Industries held the remaining 20%. Beyond his business ventures, Datta was a director of TC Travel Services (formerly associated with Thomas Cook) and was known to be part of Ratan Tata's close circle, which included family members and trusted associates.

At Ratan Tata's funeral in October 2024, Datta shared with the media that he met Tata when the industrialist was 24 years old at the Dealers' Hotel in Jamshedpur, marking a friendship that spanned six decades. Datta was also reportedly invited to Tata's birth anniversary celebrations at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in December 2024.

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One of Datta's daughters worked at Taj Hotels and later at Tata Trusts for nine years until 2024, further highlighting the close ties between the Datta family and the Tata conglomerate.

Details of the Bequest

As per Ratan Tata's will, a third of his residual assets have been left to Datta, which may well exceed ₹500 crore in value. The distribution of the will's assets is expected to proceed after undergoing probate and certification by the High Court, a process that experts suggest could take at least six months.

Components of the Endowment

Before his passing, Ratan Tata established the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust and the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation to manage the distribution of his inheritances. His wealth included a direct 0.83% stake in Tata Sons, estimated to be around ₹8,000 crore; investments in various startups; ₹186 crore in RNT Associates, his personal investment company; valuable artworks, including paintings; and luxury assets such as Maserati cars.

The total net worth of Ratan Tata is yet to be fully determined, as valuations at current market rates are still pending.

This significant bequest underscores the deep personal connections Ratan Tata maintained beyond his immediate family, reflecting the trust and esteem he held for close associates like Mohini Mohan Datta.