Arrest warrant issued against former cricketer Robin Uthappa for alleged PF fraud involving ₹23 lakh

An arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa in relation to a provident fund (PF) fraud case involving his company, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd. Uthappa, who is the director of the Bengaluru-based company, is accused of failing to remit PF contributions that were deducted from employees' salaries. The company owes a total of ₹23.36 lakh, including damages, fines, and interest for the non-compliance with the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Act.

The arrest warrant was issued by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Sadakshari Gopal Reddy, on December 4, 2024. According to the official statement, Uthappa's company had deducted PF contributions from employees' salaries but failed to deposit the funds into their respective accounts. This violation has led to unsettled PF accounts for the affected employees. The authorities are seeking to recover the dues from Uthappa, who has been given a deadline of December 27, 2024, to clear the outstanding amount.

The PF contributions are governed by sections 7A, 14B, and 7Q of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Section 7A mandates the employer to deposit deducted PF amounts into the Provident Fund account of employees, while sections 14B and 7Q specify penalties for delayed or non-payment of these funds. In this case, Uthappa’s company has not remitted the required amounts, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant for his failure to comply with the law.

Uthappa, who is known for his aggressive batting style and his participation in 59 international matches for India, as well as in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with teams such as Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, is facing significant legal consequences. The case was initiated after the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner’s office issued a letter on December 4, directing the Pulakeshinagar Police to execute the arrest warrant against Uthappa. The authorities have urged that the funds be recovered to ensure that the PF accounts of workers are settled.

Uthappa, who has been residing in Dubai since 2023, was not present at his Bengaluru residence when the police attempted to serve the arrest warrant. Uthappa and his family moved to Dubai over a year ago, with Uthappa securing a Golden Visa for himself. He and his family now live in a five-bedroom villa in the Arabian Ranches area. As Uthappa is currently residing abroad, the authorities have instructed the police to execute the warrant through the local jurisdiction where he resides.

The failure to deposit PF dues has resulted in the inability to settle the Provident Fund accounts for the affected workers. The case underscores the legal responsibilities of business owners to adhere to employee welfare regulations, specifically in the management of PF contributions. Uthappa now faces further legal actions if the owed amount is not settled by the specified deadline. Authorities continue their efforts to recover the outstanding dues, and further proceedings are expected to take place in the coming weeks.