Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has addressed the recent controversy surrounding an arrest warrant issued against him over a Provident Fund (PF) fraud case.
Uthappa clarified his association with the companies involved—Strawberry Lenceria Pvt. Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House—and firmly denied any executive role in their operations.
In a detailed statement, Uthappa explained that he was appointed as a director of these companies during 2018-19 solely due to his financial contributions in the form of loans. However, his involvement remained limited, as his professional commitments left him without the time or expertise to engage in day-to-day operations. Uthappa emphasised that he has never played an executive role in these or any other businesses he has funded.
Additionally, he revealed that the companies failed to repay his loans, prompting him to initiate legal proceedings against them, which are currently ongoing. The veteran cricketer assured that his legal team had already responded to PF authorities with documentation confirming his lack of involvement. Uthappa also urged the media to ensure accurate reporting of the matter and refrained from sensationalising allegations without complete verification of facts.
Robin Uthappa’s statement
“In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regards to my involvement with Strawberry Lenceria Pvt. Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ud, and Berryz Fashion House. In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in 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 l involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses. Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, neither did I have the time nor expertise to participate in their operations. In fact, I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have lended, till date,” Uthappa shared on Instagram.
“Regrettably, these companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently sub judice. I also resigned from my directorships several years ago.”
“When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded, highlighting that I had no role in these companies and provided documentation from the companies themselves confirming my lack of involvement. Despite this, the Provident Fund authorities have continued with proceedings, and my legal advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter in the coming days. I would also like to urge the media to kindly present complete facts and to verify the authenticity of information being shared,” he added.
What the case is about
An arrest warrant has been issued against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa over allegations of Provident Fund (PF) fraud. The warrant, issued by PF Regional Commissioner Shadakshari Gopal Reddy, directs the Pulakeshinagar police to take appropriate action.
Uthappa, who managed a private firm called Centuries Lifestyle Brand Private Limited, is accused of deducting PF contributions from employees’ salaries but failing to deposit the amounts, leading to an alleged fraud of Rs 23 lakh.