Arrest Warrant Issued Against Former Indian Cricketer Robin Uthappa In EPFO Fraud Case (screenshot:X/robbieuthappa)
An arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with an EPFO fraud case.
Uthappa is accused of deducting a whopping Rs 23 lakh from his employees’ salaries while managing the Bengaluru-based company Centaurus Lifestyle but failing to deposit their Provident Fund contributions.
This company is classified as a non-government entity. Its authorised share capital and paid-up capital both stand at Rs. 1,000,000 and the company is involved in the manufacture of wearing apparel, except fur apparel. The company’s directors include Krishnadas Thandand Havade and Robin Uthappa.
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The Regional PF Commissioner, Sadakshari Gopal Reddy issued the arrest warrant on December 4 stating that Uthappa’s company has failed to remit damages of around Rs 23,36,602. This amount is now to be recovered from the former Indian player.
The 39-year-old former batsman is accused of deducting provident funds from his employees’ salaries but not depositing the funds into their accounts. This has resulted in the Provident Fund Accounts of the affected workers remaining unsettled.
Uthappa has played 59 international matches for India and has been a popular player in the Indian Premier League. The Pulakeshinagar police in East Bengaluru have been asked to arrest him and return the warrant on or before December 27, 2024.
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He played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant 2007 ICC World Twenty20 campaign. His batting skills also earned him the top spot in the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL) that year.
After a distinguished career, Uthappa announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on September 14, 2022 and ventured into business and started his own company Centaurus Lifestyle in Bengaluru on August 18, 2015.
