In a surprising turn of events, an arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, accused of fraud related to the Provident Fund (PF) of employees at a company he directs. The news has sparked a significant reaction on social media platforms, where users have expressed a mix of shock, support for Uthappa, and concern over the implications for his reputation.
Details of the allegation on Robin Uthappa
Uthappa, known for his aggressive batting during his cricketing days, now finds himself in legal trouble over allegations of not depositing the PF contributions deducted from employee salaries at Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, where he serves as a director. The company, based in Bengaluru, is said to owe approximately INR 23.36 lakh in unpaid PF dues.
The warrant was issued by Shadakshara Gopal Reddy, the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner – II and Recovery Officer in KR Puram, Bengaluru. According to reports, the PF office has been unable to settle the Provident Fund accounts of the workers due to this non-remittance, leading to the legal action against Uthappa. The Pulakeshinagar police have been directed to execute the arrest warrant by December 27, 2024, unless the dues are cleared.
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Legal and police actions
The Pulakeshinagar police, upon receiving the directive, attempted to execute the warrant at the address listed for Uthappa, only to find he had vacated the property over a year ago and is currently believed to be residing in Dubai. This has complicated the execution of the arrest warrant. The police have communicated Uthappa’s absence to the PF office, intensifying the search to locate him.
Uthappa’s response to the concerned matter
As of now, there has been no public statement from Uthappa or his legal representatives regarding this matter. However, in a previous unrelated legal issue involving a cheque bounce, Uthappa’s legal team managed to secure a stay on a non-bailable warrant from the Bombay High Court, indicating his readiness to engage with legal processes when required.