The Karnataka High Court has put on hold the arrest warrant against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with an alleged EPF fraud case. Earlier, on December 21, PF Regional Commissioner Shadakshari Gopal Reddy issued the warrant and directed the Pulakeshinagar police to take necessary action.
Uthappa, who oversaw a private company named Centuries Lifestyle Brand Private Limited, was accused of deducting PF contributions from employees’ salaries but failing to deposit the funds, resulting in an alleged fraud of ₹23 lakh.
In a letter dated December 4, Commissioner Reddy instructed the police to execute the warrant. However, the warrant was returned to the PF office as Uthappa was reportedly not residing at his listed address.
Officials confirmed: “The warrant, issued on December 4, has been returned after Mr. Uthappa was found not to be at the Pulakeshinagar residence.”
Robin Uthappa addressed the recent controversy, clarifying his connection to the companies involved—Strawberry Lenceria Pvt. Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House—while firmly denying any active executive role in their operations.
He explained that he was made a director of these companies in 2018-19 solely due to his financial contributions as loans. However, his involvement was minimal, as his professional commitments left him without the time or expertise to manage daily operations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2CWGpzXXv/?igsh=Mnd6ajUzZGZwd2ox
Uthappa provided clarification via his Instagram account
In an Instagram post, Robin Uthappa addressed the recent PF case, clarifying his connection to Strawberry Lenceria Pvt. Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House. He stated he became a director in 2018-19 due to loan contributions.
“However, I did not have an active executive role, nor was l 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 lended, till date.”
Robin Uthappa, who played 59 international matches for India, was a key figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Throughout his career, he amassed 1,183 runs in 54 ODI innings, including seven half-centuries.
In the IPL, he represented teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians. Uthappa was a vital member of KKR’s 2014 championship-winning team and earned recognition for his aggressive batting approach.
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