Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa is under scrutiny following the issuance of an arrest warrant in a case of alleged Provident Fund (PF) fraud involving employees and the government. Karnataka Police visited Uthappa’s Bengaluru residence to deliver a notice but found that he no longer resides there, as reported by ANI.
According to The Hindu, Uthappa now lives in Dubai with his family. Known for his aggressive batting style and nicknamed the “Walking Assassin,” the Bengaluru-born cricketer relocated to Dubai over a year ago. In an interview with Gulf News, Uthappa shared, “We were quite familiar with Dubai as we had been visiting often over the years… Shheethal had just delivered our daughter after a difficult pregnancy… and we thought the trip would do her good.” By March 2023, he had secured a Golden Visa and moved into a five-bedroom villa in the Arabian Ranches with his family.
The charges stem from Uthappa’s role as director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Private Limited. He is accused of deducting PF contributions from employees’ salaries but failing to deposit the amounts, allegedly defrauding employees and the government of ₹23.36 lakh.
Regional Provident Fund Commissioner Shadakshiri Gopala Reddy directed the Pulakeshi Nagar Police to arrest Uthappa, citing violations of sections 7A, 14B, and 7Q of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Act.
The official notice stated, “Due to non-remittance of dues, this office is unable to settle the Provident Fund accounts of the poor workers. Given the above, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed warrant of arrest…” The authorities are now focused on recovering the damages.
