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In a lengthy social media, former cricketer Robin Uthappa stated that he had resigned from the director’s post ‘several years ago’.
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa has issued a clarification after being accused of Provident Fund (PF) fraud, leading to the demands of his arrest. A regional PF commissioner in Bengaluru has alleged that the 2007 T20 World Cup winner hasn’t paid the provident fund dues of employees of his apparel brand, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd.
However, the former cricketer broke his silence on the issue on Saturday morning as he came up with a lengthy social media post, stating that he had resigned from the director’s post ‘several years ago’. He also revealed that while holding the post, neither he played an executive role nor was he involved in the company’s day-to-day operations.
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
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.
I would also like to urge the media to kindly present complete facts and to verily the authenticity of information being shared.
Thank You
Robin Uthappa
FIDE ET LABORE
The regional PF commissioner of the KR Puram branch in Bengaluru, Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, has alleged in a letter to the Pulakeshinagar Police that Uthappa has not paid dues to the tune of Rs 23,36,602 to employees of the company.
The letter dated December 4 asked for Uthappa to be arrested under Rule 73 of the 2nd Schedule to Income Tax Act, 1961 (a tax recovery officer can issue an arrest warrant for a defaulter other than in case of minor, unsound mind or women) & Income Tax (Certificate Proceedings) Rules, 1962, and Section 8B of the EP & MP Act, 1952; and to then be produced before the regional PF commissioner before December 27.
