An arrest warrant has been issued against former cricketer Robin Uthappa in the PF fraud case

An arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa for cheating the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). The warrant issued pertains to an amount of ₹ 23.36 lakh that was allegedly not deposited into the employee’s account while Uthappa worked as a director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. The warrant was issued by Regional Provident Fund Commissioner Shadakshara Gopal Reddy.

According to reports, the company deducted provident fund contributions from employees’ salaries but failed to deposit the required amount as per EPF rules. The mistake has left many workers unable to access their dues.

In a directive issued on December 4, Commissioner Reddy directed the Pulakeshinagar police to act on the warrant, stressing the need to address the case urgently. However, police efforts to trace Uthappa have reportedly been hampered as the former cricketer seems to have shifted residence.

Under Section 405 of the Indian Penal Code, Uthappa could face charges of “criminal breach of trust”, a provision that holds employers liable for failure to pay PF or family pension fund contributions. Such misappropriation of employee funds is a criminal offense under Indian law.

Arrest warrants come with time limits for resolution. If Uthappa pays the due amount before December 27, the warrant will be cancelled. However, as per the directions of the Regional PF Commissioner, failure to pay the dues will result in further legal action.