Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has responded in detail to the ongoing controversy surrounding the arrest warrant issued against him over an alleged Provident Fund (PF) fraud case. Uthappa, who had previously been linked to companies such as Strawberry Lenceria Pvt. Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House, has taken to social media to clarify his role within these companies, stating that he was never involved in the day-to-day management or executive functions of the businesses.
In his statement, Uthappa emphasized that his appointment as a director in these companies during the period of 2018-19 was based solely on his financial contributions in the form of loans. He acknowledged that while he was named a director, his involvement in the companies was purely financial and non-executive. Given the busy nature of his professional life as a cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, he explained that he neither had the time nor the expertise to participate in the operational aspects of these businesses. Uthappa made it clear that his role was limited to being a financial backer, and he did not perform any executive duties in these companies, nor did he play any part in their day-to-day functioning.
Additionally, Uthappa revealed that the companies involved had failed to repay the loans he had extended to them, which led him to initiate legal proceedings to recover the funds. He also disclosed that he had resigned from his director roles in these companies several years ago, distancing himself from their operations. His legal team had already responded to the Provident Fund authorities' notices, providing documentation to confirm his lack of involvement in the operations of the companies. Despite these efforts, the Provident Fund authorities have continued their legal proceedings, prompting Uthappa to reassure the public that his legal advisors are working diligently to resolve the matter in the coming days.
Uthappa also expressed his concern over the sensationalized media coverage of the issue and urged the press to ensure accurate reporting of the facts. He emphasized that the ongoing media coverage had not always presented the full context of the situation, and he called on journalists to verify the authenticity of the information before publishing it. His statement included a direct request to the media to refrain from sensationalizing the matter without a thorough fact-checking process.
The cricketer’s statement comes in the wake of an arrest warrant issued by PF Regional Commissioner Shadakshari Gopal Reddy, directing the Pulakeshinagar police to take appropriate action. Uthappa is accused of deducting PF contributions from the salaries of employees at Centuries Lifestyle Brand Private Limited but failing to deposit these amounts, resulting in an alleged fraud amounting to Rs 23 lakh. This case has garnered significant attention, particularly given Uthappa’s high-profile career in cricket, and the warrant has raised questions about his involvement in the financial dealings of the company.
Uthappa addressed the issue in his Instagram post, offering further clarification. He explained, “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 lent to to date.”
The controversy stems from the accusation that Uthappa, in his capacity as the manager of Centuries Lifestyle Brand Private Limited, had deducted PF contributions from employees’ salaries but failed to deposit the amounts with the Provident Fund authorities, resulting in a fraud amounting to Rs 23 lakh. The allegations were brought to light after legal proceedings were initiated, and the case has drawn attention due to Uthappa’s public profile as a former international cricketer.
In his response, Uthappa maintained that he had no executive role in the companies in question, stressing that his involvement had been limited to providing financial support in the form of loans. He reiterated that he had never been responsible for handling operational matters or overseeing the financial transactions that were central to the fraud allegations. Uthappa’s statement also mentioned that he had taken legal steps to address the issue, including initiating proceedings against the companies for failing to repay the loans he had extended.
As the legal process continues, Uthappa has vowed to clear his name and has urged the public and the media to avoid jumping to conclusions before all the facts have been established. His legal team is working to address the Provident Fund authorities’ concerns, and Uthappa has expressed confidence that the situation will be resolved in due course. He also reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, asserting that he had always acted in good faith and in accordance with the law in his business dealings.
