Robin Uthappa breaks silence after arrest warrant issued against him in EPF fraud case
Published - 21 Dec 2024, 09:25 PM | Updated - 21 Dec 2024, 11:39 PM
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Former India National Cricket Team player Robin Uthappa has come up with the clarification after the arrest warrant was issued against him. The batter was accused of doing fraud in connection with the provident fund contributions of employees at a clothing company run by him.
Robin Uthappa, who is director of Bengaluru-based Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, has been given time till December 27 to pay the dues of nearly Rs 24 lakh, or face arrest. He was accused of deducting provident funds from the salaries of his employees but not depositing the funds into the accounts of his employees.
I did not have an active executive role, nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses - Robin Uthappa
However, with him being under massive pressure, the former batter has now issued an official statement.
Robin Uthappa revealed that he was appointed as director of companies in 2018-19 after his financial contributions to them in the form of loans. But the batter was quick to mention that he didn't have an active role and wasn't even involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that he didn't have the time to take part in the daily operations of the game because of his commitments with cricket-related duties. He explained:
"In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regard to my involvement with Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House. In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in these companies due to my financial contributions to them in the form of loans.
"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, neither did I have the time nor expertise to participate in their operations."
These companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings - Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa also claimed that the companies in which he has invested haven't repaid the funds which forced him to initiate legal proceedings. While adding that he has resigned from directorships several years ago, he said that he had no role in these companies
"In fact, I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have funded, till date. Regrettably, 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 directorship several years ago.
"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."
I would also like to urge the media to kindly present complete facts - Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa concluded by saying that even though he has no role in the companies, Provident Fund authorities have taken action against him. However, the commentator mentioned that his advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter. He also urged the media to present the right facts. He stated:
"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. I would also like to urge the media to kindly present complete facts and to verify the authenticity of the information being shared."
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) December 21, 2024
Robin Uthappa currently has taken up the broadcasting role after retiring from cricket. He played 59 international matches for India, scoring 1,183 runs to go with seven half-centuries.
