Arrest warrant against Robin Uthappa for alleged EPF fraud; 'resigned years ago,' says cricketer

Bengaluru: An arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa for alleged fraud concerning Employee Provident Fund (EPF) deposits.

The warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopal Reddy, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner - II and Recovery Officer, KR Puram in Bengaluru.

In his order dated December 4, Reddy alleged that Rs 23.36 lakh was to be recovered from Uthappa, the defaulter, as he is the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd. The senior officer directed the jurisdictional Pulakeshinagar police to return the warrant on or before December 27.

“Due to non-remittance of dues, this office is unable to settle the Provident Fund (PF) accounts of poor workers,” the note issued to the Pulakeshinagar Station House Officer (SHO) read. “In view of the above, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed warrant of arrest.”

According to sources, the firm had failed to deposit the provident fund deductions, which are owed to the employees. As per the order, the warrant will be void if Uthappa settles the dues.

Sources in the Bengaluru police said that Uthappa was not in his house at Wheeler Road in Pulakeshinagar.

Meanwhile, Uthappa, on social media platform X, claimed that he had resigned from his directorship several years ago in Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House and never had an active executive role nor was involved in day-to-day operations.

“These companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently sub judice. 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 said.

“Despite this, the Provident Fund authorities have continued with proceedings, and my legal advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter in the coming days.”