Ratan Tata was holding firearms like a pistol, a shotgun, and a rifle and was India’s oldest gun license, it will be transferred to his close aide now.
Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist who dedicated much of his fortune to philanthropic efforts and provided for his family, made a unique decision regarding some of his most prized possessions. Among the items specifically designated in his will, three were a pistol, a shotgun, and a rifle. These firearms, which Tata rarely used despite holding one of India’s oldest gun licenses, were handed down to Mehli Mistry, a close friend and trusted business confidant.
Gift From JRD Tata & Naval Tata
The firearms carried significant value in Ratan Tata’s life, as they were gifted or inherited from people who played pivotal roles in Tata’s life. One of the weapons is believed to have been presented to him by Sumant Moolgaokar, who preceded Tata as chairman of Tata Motors. Moolgaokar, known for his fondness for hunting before wildlife protection laws were enacted, had shared a deep bond with Tata. Out of other two firearms one was inherited from Tata’s father, Naval Tata, and the second from JRD Tata, the long-serving and influential chairman of the Tata Group. These items served as symbols of Ratan Tata’s deep personal connection to these figures.
Mehli Mistry To Get Firearms
Tata’s will specified that these firearms be transferred to Mehli Mistry, who also serves as a trustee for Tata Trusts. According to a report by Times following Tata’s recent passing, the weapons were temporarily surrendered to the police armoury. For Mistry to reclaim them, he must obtain a valid firearm license, citing purposes such as self-defence, sport, or ornamental display. Should he already possess an existing firearm license, the firearms could be added to it.
India’s firearm regulations have become stringent now, limiting the number of licensed weapons an individual may possess. It is expected that Mistry may choose to register these firearms as ornamental. In such cases, authorities would deactivate the firing pins, ensuring that the weapons are rendered incapable of firing.
Who is Mehli Mistry?
Mehli Mistry is a businessman who was a close aide of Ratan Tata. He is the first cousin of late Cyrus Mistry, but has been a supporter of Tata, specially during the removal of Mistry as Tata Sons’ chairman in 2016. He also took care of Tata in his last years.
In 2022, Mehli earned a position as a board member for Tata’s two major philanthropic organisations – the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. Together, these trusts have about 52 percent shares in Tata Sons, the private entity that holds all key Tata businesses.
Beyond these symbolic firearms, Tata’s will also included his beachfront property in Alibaug, a sought-after area known for its scenic views. This gesture shows the depth of Tata’s trust and long-standing relationship with Mistry, which dates back to their shared residence at Bakhtawar, an upscale residential building in Colaba, Mumbai. After stepping down as chairman of Tata Group in 2012, Tata relocated to Halekai, a three-storey home in the same neighborhood.