India: Wagh Bakri director Parag Desai dies at 49

Parag Desai, a top executive at Wagh Bakri Tea Group, died at 49 as he tripped over and sustained severe head injuries while fending off stray dogs.

Earlier reports said it was a dog attack, but the hospital that treated Desaiclarified that hehad "no dog bite marks on his body" when he was brought to the hospital.

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The 49-year-old businessman was admitted to Ahmedabad's Shalby Hospital at around 6 pm IST, according to the press release issued by the hospital. "He was unconscious and not responding," the hospital stated.

Dr Nishita Shukla, group COO at Shalby Hospital, stated, "The patient was admitted to the ICU and was advised to be kept under observation and treatment for 72 hours. The patient was discharged on the request of his relatives."

Later, Desai's family members transferred him to Zydus Hospital for a surgical procedure, the Ahmedabad Mirror reported. However, Parag Desai had a brain haemorrhage during the treatment and died on Sunday.

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Shaktisinh Gohil, chief of Gujarat Congress and Rajya Sabha member, condoled his demise in a social media post. He wrote, "Very sad news coming in. Parag Desai, Director and owner of Wagh Bakri Tea, passed away. He had a brain haemorrhage following a fall. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Wagh Bakri family across India."

Hundreds of people, including employees of Wagh Bakri, family members of Parag Desai, and trade and industry leaders, gathered at the Thaltej Crematorium in Ahmedabad to bid farewell to Desai. Before the final rites, a funeral service was held at his home in the Ambli area of western Ahmedabad.

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Who was Parag Desai?

Parag Desai was the son of Rasesh Desaim, the managing director of the Wagh Bakri Team Group. He is survived by his wife, Vidisha, and daughter, Parisha.

Desai had over 30 years of entrepreneurship experience. He headed the international business, sales and marketing for the Wagh Bakri Tea Group. Reports say he actively participated in leading industry platforms, like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

According to the Wagh Bakri Tea Group website, Parag Desai pursued his Master's in Business Administration from Long Island University in the United States. The website describes him as "an expert tea taster and evaluator."

(With inputs from agencies)

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