Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has spoken out after an arrest warrant was issued for him over an alleged fraud linked to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits. According to PTI, the warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, the regional provident fund commissioner – II, along with recovery officer KR Puram.

Uthappa took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his side of the story, clarifying that he didn’t hold an active executive position and wasn’t involved in the daily operations of the businesses associated with Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House.

"Given the recent news about the PF case against me, I want to clarify my role with Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House," he mentioned in his statement.

In 2018-19, I was made a director of these companies because I lent them money. But I wasn't involved in running the day-to-day operations at all, he mentioned.

He continued, saying, "With my busy life as a professional cricketer, TV host, and commentator, I simply didn't have the time or the know-how to get involved in their operations. Honestly, I haven't taken on an executive role in any of the other companies I've supported either."

"Unfortunately, these companies didn't pay back the loans I gave them, which forced me to take legal action that's still ongoing. I stepped down from my director positions a few years back. When the Provident Fund authorities sent notices for payment, my legal team replied, pointing out that I had no involvement with these companies and provided proof from them confirming my lack of participation," he added.

Robin Uthappa and his family have recently relocated to Dubai, where the cricketer is now living.

What's the issue here?

The arrest warrant highlights that not paying the dues has stopped the office from clearing the PF accounts for the affected worker. The police have been instructed to apprehend the former Indian cricketer and return the warrant by December 27.

In a directive to the Station House Officer at Pulakeshinagar Police Station, the senior official mentioned: “Because the dues haven’t been paid, this office can’t finalize the provident fund accounts for the struggling workers. Therefore, please carry out the attached arrest warrant through the Thana in-charge where Sri Robin Uthappa lives.”

The PTI news agency reports that the order also mentions, “In this regard, please proceed to arrest the employer under Rule 73 of the Second Schedule of the Income Tax Act 1961, the Income Tax (CP) Rule 1962, and Section 8B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Ensure he is presented before me by 27.12.2024 for further action through your official channels.”

Robin Uthappa has played 59 matches for India in all formats. He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders' squad that won the IPL in 2014. Additionally, he has played for the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.

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