‘Had No Role…’: Robin Uthappa Clarifies After Arrest Warrant Over PF ‘Fraud’ Case

Bhubaneswar: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has broken his silence on the arrest warrant issued against him in connection with an alleged fraud related to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits.

Taking to his X handle, Uthappa clarified that he did not have an active executive role, nor he was involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses with Strawberry Lencería Pvt Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House.

“…I did not have an active executive role, nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses…Neither did I have the time nor expertise to participate in their operations. I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have funded, till date. 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…,” he wrote.

The 2007 T20 World Cup winner mentioned about his appointment as a director in these companies due to his financial contributions in the form of loans. “…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.

As per news agency PTI, the warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, regional provident fund commissioner – II and recovery officer KR Puram. Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd is accused of deducting PF contributions from employees’ salaries but failing to deposit the same, leading to an alleged fraud of Rs 23 lakh.

Commissioner Reddy instructed the police to execute the warrant in the letter issued on December 4. However, the warrant was returned to the PF office as the cricketer was not residing at his previous address.

The former Indian batsman and his family are reportedly staying in Dubai.

Uthappa had represented India in 59 international matches. He was a prominent player in the Indian Premier League (IPL).  He played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians.

In October, A Mumbai sessions court had temporarily stayed a magistrate court’s proceedings against the same apparel brand in a 2019 cheque bounce case, noting that it appeared the former cricketer was not in charge of day-to-day affairs of the company.