New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has responded to the arrest warrant over an alleged Provident Fund (PF) cheating case. On Saturday, news reports flashed that a warrant was issued by PF Regional Commissioner Shadakshari Gopal Reddy.
The warrant was executed on December 4, but was returned after the cricketer-turned commentator wasn’t found at his residential address in Bengaluru’s Pulakeshinagar, as per a report by The Hindu. The 39-year-old was accused of deduction of PF contributions from the salaries of employees as he was associated with Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Private Limited, a Non-government company registered in the Karnataka capital city.
Uthappa has issued a long statement to explain why he wasn’t involved into this matter. In a one-page template post published on his social media platform, the former wicketkeeper-batter wrote:
“In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regards to my involvement with Strawberry Lenceria 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. In fact, I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have funded, till date.”
Uthappa’s legal team looking into the matter
Uthappa further explained that the aforementioned companies didn’t meet the due payments to him for the funds he lent to them. As a result, the former player decided to take legal proceedings, and also resigned from his role of director from all the companies.
“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 wrote.
“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,” he concluded.
Uthappa is said to have shifted to Dubai along with his family and visits India for work-related purpose.
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has responded to an arrest warrant issued in a Provident Fund (PF) cheating case. Uthappa, who was a director in several companies, claims he had no active role in their daily operations and was unaware of any PF irregularities. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
