PF Officials Persist with Proceedings Despite Robin Uthappa's Claims of Non-Involvement
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Bengaluru, Dec 22 (NationPress) Robin Uthappa, the former Indian cricketer currently under an arrest warrant for purported Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) fraud, stated that he had no part in the daily management of the businesses. He emphasized that despite confirming his lack of involvement, the PF officials are still pursuing proceedings.
This statement was made on Sunday in response to a letter from the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), operating under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, which requested assistance from the Bengaluru Police in executing the arrest warrant.
In a press statement, Uthappa clarified: “In light of recent news regarding the PF case against me, I wish to clarify my association with Strawberry Lenceria Pvt Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House. I was appointed as a director in these companies during 2018-19 due to financial contributions in the form of loans. However, I did not hold an active executive role, nor was I involved in the daily business operations. Given my busy schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, I lacked the time and expertise for such involvement. In fact, I do not serve an executive role in any of the companies I have funded to date.”
“Unfortunately, these companies failed to repay the loans I provided, which led me to initiate legal action that is currently sub judice. I also resigned from my directorship several years ago. When the Provident Fund authorities issued payment demands, my legal team responded, emphasizing my lack of involvement in these companies and providing documentation from the companies confirming this. Nevertheless, the Provident Fund authorities have persisted with their proceedings, and my legal advisors will take necessary actions to resolve this issue shortly. I also urge the media to present comprehensive facts and verify the authenticity of the information being shared,” stated Robin Uthappa.
The Regional PF Commissioner-II and Recovery Officer, RO K.R. Puram Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, made a written request to the Inspector of Pulikeshi Nagar police station in Bengaluru to assist in executing the arrest warrant against Uthappa.
Commissioner Reddy indicated that Robin Uthappa is a director of M/s Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, located in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The company has failed to remit dues under Sections 7A, 14B and 7 Q of the EPF and MP Act, 1952, amounting to Rs 23.36 lakh.
Addressing the police, Reddy further stated, “You are kindly requested to execute the enclosed arrest warrant for Robin Uthappa.”
“It is important to inform you that the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 is a social welfare legislation intended specifically for the underprivileged workers who earn meager salaries and depend on provident fund contributions for retirement and other needs,” the PF Commissioner elaborated.
“Due to the failure to remit dues, this office cannot settle the Provident Fund accounts of the needy workers. Therefore, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed warrant of arrest through the inspector under whose jurisdiction Robin Uthappa resides,” he requested.
“In connection with this matter, it is kindly requested to arrest the employer under Rule 73 of the II Schedule to Income Tax Act, 1961 and Income Tax (CP) Rule, 1962 and 8B of the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Act, 1952, and present him before the undersigned on or before December 27 for further proceedings,” the notice concluded.
