Bengaluru: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, against whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), said his association with Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Private Ltd was limited to being appointed a director in 2018-19 because of financial loans he had extended to the business. The firm had allegedly failed to remit the provident fund (PF) dues of workers.
In a statement, he said he wasn’t involved in the day-to-day operations or management of the company, citing his professional commitments as a cricketer, TV presenter and commentator.
The company failed to repay the loans he provided, prompting him to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently under judicial consideration, he said, adding, “I have also resigned from my directorships several years ago.”
Addressing the PF authorities’ notices regarding unpaid dues, Uthappa emphasised that his legal team responded with documentation, proving his non-involvement, including evidence from the companies themselves. “Despite this, the proceedings have continued and my legal advisors are taking necessary steps to resolve the matter,” he added.
The regional PF commissioner had requested Pulakeshinagar police ssto execute the warrant of arrest and produce Uthappa before him, citing the company’s non-compliance under Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions (EPF & MP) Act, 1952.