Robin Uthappa. | Image: X
The Karnataka High Court Tuesday temporarily stayed an arrest warrant against former India cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with an alleged case of Provident Fund (PF) fraud. According to Bar and Bench report a Vacation Bench presided by Justice Suraj Govindaraj granted interim protection to Uthappa and stayed the arrest warrant and all related proceedings in the case against him.
The order was passed after Uthappa approached the Court seeking quashing of recovery notices and the arrest warrant issued against him in the case.
On December 4 this year, the warrant of arrest issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner – II and Recovery Officer, K R Puram stated that ₹23,36,602 is to be recovered from Uthappa, the defaulter. The former cricketer is the director of Centauries Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, Indiranagar.
Robin Uthappa on arrest warrant issued against him
Robin Uthappa had written post on social media which said, ” 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 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. Regrettably, these companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently subjudice. I also resigned from my directorships several years ago”
He added, “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 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.”
