The Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted the arrest warrant against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa concerning a suspected fraud related to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions.
The decision was made by a Vacation Bench headed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj after Uthappa petitioned the court for the annulment of the recovery notices and the arrest directive in the matter.
In his role as the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Private Limited, Uthappa is alleged to have neglected to deposit the EPF deductions from employees’ salaries into their accounts, resulting in an alleged fraud involving Rs 23. 36 lakh in losses, which authorities are currently seeking to reclaim.
The Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Shadakshiri Gopala Reddy, sent a letter on December 4, 2024, instructing the Pulakeshi Nagar Police to detain Uthappa.
Uthappa’s attorney informed the Court that the cricketer had stepped down as the company’s director in May 2020 and that he had not participated in the company’s daily activities during his time there.
In an extensive post dated December 21, Uthappa mentioned: “When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded, emphasizing that I had no involvement in these companies and provided evidence from the companies themselves affirming my disconnection. Regardless, the Provident Fund authorities have persisted with their actions, and my legal representatives will undertake the necessary measures to address this issue in the upcoming days. ”
“I would also like to request that the media accurately present all facts and authenticate the information being disseminated. ”
Uthappa has played for India in 59 international matches and continues to be a well-liked personality in the Indian Premier League.
