Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa finds himself at the center of a legal storm as an arrest warrant has been issued against him over alleged fraud involving Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions. The case, tied to his management of Century Lifestyle Brand Private Limited, accuses the celebrated cricketer of withholding ₹23.36 lakh in employee contributions and failing to deposit the amount in their EPF accounts.
The warrant, issued by Regional Provident Fund Commissioner Shadakshari Gopal Reddy, states that Uthappa has until December 27 to pay the outstanding dues or face arrest. According to the commissioner, this failure has left the Provident Fund accounts of the company’s workers unsettled, impacting their financial security.
The 39-year-old former batsman, who currently resides in Dubai with his family, served as the director of Bengaluru-based Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd. Reports allege that Uthappa deducted the funds from employee salaries but did not deposit them, a violation that has now landed him in legal trouble.
The Legal Notice
In the arrest warrant, Commissioner Reddy highlighted the severity of the case, stating, “Due to non-remittance of dues, this office is unable to settle the Provident Fund Accounts of the poor workers.” The letter further directed police to take Uthappa into custody if the dues remain unpaid by the deadline.
Cricketer-Turned-Entrepreneur Under Scrutiny
Robin Uthappa, a fan favorite during his cricketing days, represented India in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, amassing 1,183 international runs with seven half-centuries. He also enjoyed a stellar career in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his power-hitting and reliability earned him a loyal fan base.
However, his transition to entrepreneurship has now brought unwelcome attention. The accusations have raised serious questions about his management of Century Lifestyle Brand Private Limited, and fans are left shocked by the allegations against their once-beloved cricketer.
The Fallout
The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for accountability. Uthappa has yet to publicly respond to the allegations or provide clarity on the missing funds. The upcoming deadline looms large, and the cricketing world waits to see whether the former batsman will clear the dues or face legal consequences.
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