Former Indian national cricket team player Robin Uthappa made the clarification after the arrest warrant was issued against him. The batsman was charged with fraud in relation to contributions to the provident fund of employees of a clothing company run by him.
Robin Uthappa, director of Bengaluru-based Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, has been given time till December 27 to pay dues of nearly Rs 24 lakh, or face arrest. He was accused of deducting provident funds from his employees’ salaries but not depositing them in his employees’ accounts.
I did not have an active executive role nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the companies – Robin Uthappa
However, being under enormous pressure, the former batsman has now issued an official statement.
Robin Uthappa revealed that he was appointed corporate director in 2018-19 after his financial contributions in the form of loans. But the batsman was quick to mention that he had no active role and was not even involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that he did not have time to participate in the day-to-day operations of the game due to his commitments to cricket-related duties. He explained:
“In light of the recent news regarding the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarifications regarding my involvement with Strawberry Lingerie Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd. and Berryz Fashion House. In 2018-19 , I was appointed a director of 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 companies. Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, television presenter and commentator, I did not have the time or experience to be involved in their operations.”
These companies did not repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings – Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa also claimed that the companies he invested in have not returned the funds which forced him to initiate legal proceedings. While he added that he resigned from management positions several years ago, he said he had no role in these companies.
“In fact, to date I do not play an executive role in any other company that I have financed. Unfortunately, these companies did not return the funds I lent them, which led me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently sub judice. I also resigned from my position as director several years ago.
“When Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded by highlighting that I had no role in these companies and provided documentation from the companies themselves confirming my lack of involvement.”
Robin Uthappa concluded by saying that although he does not play any role in the companies, the Provident Fund authorities have taken action against him. However, the commenter mentioned that his advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter. He also urged the media to present the correct facts. He stated:
“Despite this, the Provident Fund authorities have continued with the proceedings and my legal advisors will take necessary steps to resolve this matter in the coming days. I would also like to urge the media to kindly file complete facts and verify the authenticity of the information being shared.”
pYodo.twYottmyr.doohmetro/bRtmyF4jv9unknown
—Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) dmydomymetrobmyr 21, 2024
Robin Uthappa has currently taken up the role of broadcaster after retiring from cricket. He played 59 international matches for India, scoring 1,183 runs and seven half-centuries.
Also Read: ‘In the locker room, he…’: Sanju Samson credits Gautam Gambhir’s ‘favoritism’ for playing a key role in his success
