Robin Uthappa Breaks Silence On Arrest Warrant Over EPF Fraud Charges

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has addressed the arrest warrant issued against him in connection with an alleged fraud involving Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits.

According to news agency PTI, the warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, the regional provident fund commissioner - II, and recovery officer KR Puram.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/robbieuthappa

Uthappa took to X to clarify his involvement, stating that he did not hold an active executive role, nor was he involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses linked to Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House.

"In light of the recent news regarding the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification regarding my involvement with Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House," Uthappa stated.

"In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in these companies due to my financial contributions 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.

He further explained, "Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, I neither had the time nor the expertise to participate in their operations. In fact, I have not played an executive role in any of the companies I have funded, to date."

"Regrettably, these companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, prompting 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, stating that I had no role in these companies and provided documentation from the companies themselves confirming my lack of involvement," he added.

Uthappa, along with his family, had earlier moved to Dubai, where the cricketer currently resides.

What is the matter about?

The arrest warrant highlights that the failure to remit the dues has hindered the office from settling the PF accounts of the affected workers. The police have been instructed to arrest the former India cricketer and return the warrant by 27 December.

In an order to the Station House Officer of Pulakeshinagar Police Station, the senior officer stated: "Due to non-remittance of dues, this office is unable to settle the provident fund accounts of the poor workers. In light of this, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed arrest warrant through the Thana in-charge under whose jurisdiction Sri Robin Uthappa resides."

The order further states: "In this connection, it is kindly requested to arrest the employer under Rule 73 of the 2nd Schedule to the Income Tax Act 1961 and Income Tax (CP) Rule 1962, and Section 8B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and present him before the undersigned on or before 27.12.2024 for further proceedings."

Robin Uthappa, who played 59 matches for India across all formats, was also part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL-winning squad in 2014. He has also represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.