Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has responded publicly after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with an alleged fraud involving Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits. The arrest warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, the regional provident fund commissioner-II, and recovery officer for KR Puram, Bengaluru.
Uthappa’s Clarification on His Role in Companies
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Uthappa provided clarity on his involvement with the companies associated with the fraud case, namely Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House. Uthappa explained that while he was appointed as a director in these companies in 2018-19, his involvement was limited to financial contributions in the form of loans.
“In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director due to my financial investments in the companies, but I did not have an active executive role or participate in day-to-day operations,” Uthappa clarified. He attributed his lack of involvement to his demanding career as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator. Uthappa further emphasised that he does not engage in the executive functions of any other companies he has funded to date.
Legal Action and Resignation from Directorships
Uthappa explained that after the companies failed to repay the loans he had given them, he took legal action to recover his funds. “The legal proceedings are still ongoing, and I resigned from my directorships several years ago,” he said. Despite his resignation, the issue with the provident fund authorities continued.
Regarding the Provident Fund (PF) dues, Uthappa’s legal team responded to notices from the EPF authorities by pointing out that he had no executive role in the companies. The team also provided supporting documentation from the companies confirming Uthappa’s lack of involvement in operational matters.
Allegations Against Uthappa and the EPF Fraud
Uthappa, as the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., is accused of deducting provident fund contributions from employees’ salaries but failing to deposit the funds into their accounts. The company is reportedly liable for Rs 23.36 lakh in damages, and the EPF office is now attempting to recover the amount.
The company, which operates as an apparel brand in Bengaluru, allegedly owes EPF dues for its employees, which has led to charges of fraud and cheating. The Regional Provident Fund Commissioner issued an arrest warrant for Uthappa on December 4, 2024, after attempts to serve a notice to his last known address in Pulakeshi Nagar failed.
The local police attempted to serve the arrest warrant at Uthappa’s former residence on Wheeler Road, only to find that he had vacated the property a year ago. Reports suggest that Uthappa is now residing in Dubai. The EPF office has been notified about his relocation, and the police are working to execute the warrant following legal protocols.
Uthappa’s Career Highlights
Robin Uthappa, a former cricketer for India, played 46 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 13 T20 matches, scoring nearly 1,200 runs. He also had a successful career in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing 205 matches and amassing almost 5,000 runs. Despite his prominent sporting career, Uthappa’s involvement in this legal case is garnering significant attention.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Developments
The investigation into the EPF fraud case is ongoing, and Uthappa’s legal team continues to respond to the authorities. The case highlights issues with the management of provident fund contributions and the responsibilities of directors in ensuring compliance with the law. Uthappa’s public clarification is an effort to distance himself from the operational failings of the companies involved.
As the case progresses, the former cricketer is expected to cooperate with authorities to clear up the matter, but his legal team is also preparing for further legal proceedings.