After an arrest warrant was issued against Robin Uthappa in connection with alleged fraud in Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits on Saturday, the former cricketer posted a statement on X.
“In light of the recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to make some clarifications regarding my involvement with Strawberry Lensaria Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berries Fashion House,” he said.
“During 2018-19 I was appointed as a director due to my financial contribution in the form of loans to these companies. However, I did not have an active executive role, nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses. Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter and commentator, I did not have the time and expertise to participate in their operations. In fact, I have not held an executive role in any other companies till date,” he added.
– Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) December 21, 2024
“Unfortunately, these companies failed to repay the money I had lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently pending. I also resigned as a director a few 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 documents from the companies themselves confirming that I was not involved “My legal advisors will take necessary steps to resolve this issue in the coming days. I would also like to request the media to present complete facts and verify the authenticity of the information shared,” he said.
Earlier, a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Provident Fund Commissioner – 2 and Recovery Officer, KR Puram, Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, said to recover Rs 23,36,602 from Uthappa, according to PTI.
In an order issued to the station house office of the Pulakeshinagar police station, a senior official said: “Due to non-payment of dues, this office has not been able to reconcile the accounts of the Provident Fund of Poor Labourers. In view of the above, it is respectfully requested to execute the attached arrest warrant through the In-charge of the police station where Mr. Robin Uthappa resides.
“In this regard, it is respectfully requested to arrest and produce the employer under Section 8B of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the Income Tax (CP) Rules, 1962 and the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. through his authority before undersigned on or before 27.12.2024 for further proceedings.”
The order reads: “In exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 8B of the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952…order the said defaulter to be arrested and produced before the undersigned as soon as possible. 23,36,602 and Rs 5,000 will be charged to implement the process if the defaulter does not pay the said amount within 24 hours of the arrest (excluding time required for travel).
However, a senior police officer said: “The address mentioned in the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner is old and the person concerned no longer resides at this address. Our team visited the given address and verified it. According to information, he had vacated the said address a year ago. We have informed the concerned authorities about this. The relevant agency to issue the arrest warrant will take further decisions.”
(including agency inputs)
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package