Officials reported on Saturday that an arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa for alleged fraud involving Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits.
The warrant, issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-II and Recovery Officer, K R Puram, stated that Uthappa owes Rs 23,36,602.
Uthappa serves as the director of Centauries Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, based in Indiranagar.
In an order addressed to the Station House Officer of Pulakeshinagar Police Station, the senior official noted, “Due to non-payment of dues, the Provident Fund accounts of the workers remain unsettled. Hence, you are requested to execute the arrest warrant through the officer in charge of the jurisdiction where Sri Robin Uthappa resides.
“Please arrest the employer under Rule 73 of the IInd Schedule to the Income Tax Act, 1961, and Income Tax (CP) Rule, 1962, along with Section 8B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Produce him before the undersigned on or before 27.12.2024 for further proceedings,” the order added. “If the defaulter pays Rs 23,36,602 and Rs 5,000 for execution costs, the arrest can be avoided. Otherwise, bring him before the undersigned within 24 hours of arrest, excluding travel time.”
However, a senior police officer clarified, “The address mentioned in the warrant issued by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner is outdated. The individual vacated that address over a year ago. Our team verified this information and informed the issuing authority. Further action will be decided by the concerned officials.”