Robin Uthappa has finally broken his silence over the issuance of an arrest warrant against him in connection with an alleged fraud involving Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits. According to PTI, the warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, regional provident fund commissioner and recovery officer KR Puram. The warrant has been issued based on accusations of non-payment of PF dues.
Uthappa denies Involvement
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Robin Uthappa provided his side of the story, clarifying that he was not involved in the daily operations of the businesses linked to the fraud case, namely Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House. Uthappa emphasized that he did not hold an active executive role in any of these companies.
“In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regards to my involvement with Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House,” he stated in his statement.
“In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in these companies due to my financial contributions to them in the form of loans. However, I did not have an active executive role, nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses,” he added.
“Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, neither did I have the time nor expertise to participate in their operations. In fact, I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have funded, till date.”
“Regrettably, these companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently sub judice. I also resigned from my directorships several years ago. When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded, highlighting that I had no role in these companies and provided documentation from the companies themselves confirming my lack of involvement,” he added.
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) December 21, 2024
Arrest Warrant And Its Consequences
According to the arrest warrant, the EPF office had been hindered from settling provident fund accounts of affected workers due to the failure to remit the required dues. The police have been directed to apprehend the ex-player and carry out the warrant issued against him by December 27. The senior officer in a direction to the Pulakeshinagar Police Station mentioned, “due to nonpayment of dues, the provident fund accounts of employees were not being settled” by the office.
the Station House Office of Pulakeshinagar Police Station, the senior officer stated: “Due to non-remittances of dues, this office is unable to settle the provident fund accounts of the poor workers. In view of the above, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed warrant of arrest through the Thana in-charge under whose jurisdiction Sri Robin Uthappa resides.”
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As per news agency PTI, the order further states, “In this connection, it is kindly requested to arrest the employer under Rule 73 of IInd Schedule to Income Tax Act 1961 and Income Tax (CP) Rule 1962 and Section 8B of Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and produce him before the undersigned on or before 27.12.2024 for further proceedings through your official.”
About The Background & Current Residence Of Uthappa
Robin Uthappa, who has since shifted to Dubai with his family, is staying there. The arrest warrant is a result of his association with the businesses mentioned, but Uthappa claims that he was not responsible for the alleged discrepancies.
Uthappa’s Cricket Career
Uthappa played a total of 59 matches for India in various formats. He has been part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ successful squad in the 2014 IPL season and also has experience playing for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.
