Former Indian national cricket team player Robin Uthappa came out with the clarification after the arrest warrant was issued against him. Batașul was accused of fraud in connection with the contributions to the insurance fund of the employees of a clothing company he ran.
Robin Uthappa, who is the director of Bengaluru-based Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, had until December 27 to pay the dues of nearly Rs 24 crore or face arrest. He was accused of deducting insurance funds from his employees' paychecks but not depositing the funds into his employees' accounts.
I did not have an active executive role nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the business – Robin Uthappa
However, coming under massive pressure, the former batsman has now issued an official statement.
Robin Uthappa revealed that he was appointed as a director of the companies in 2018-19 after his financial contributions to them in the form of loans. But Dough was quick to point out that he had no active role and wasn't even involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that he had no time to take part in the day-to-day operations of the game due to his commitments with cricket-related duties. He explained:
“In light of the recent news about the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarifications regarding my involvement with Strawberry Lencería Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd. 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 I involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses. Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter and commentator, I had neither the time nor the expertise to participate in their operations.”
These companies failed to repay the funds I borrowed, prompting me to initiate legal proceedings – Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa also alleged that the companies he invested in failed to repay the funds forcing him to initiate legal proceedings. While he added that he stepped down as a director several years ago, he said he had no role in the companies.
“I actually don't have an executive role in other companies that I've funded to date. Unfortunately, these companies failed to repay the funds I borrowed, which led me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently under judicial review. I resigned as director several years ago.
“When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded by pointing out 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 has no role in the companies, Provident Fund authorities have taken action against him. However, the commentator mentioned that his counselors will take the necessary steps to resolve this issue. He also asked the media to present the correct facts. He stated:
“Despite this, the Provident Fund authorities have continued proceedings and my legal advisers will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter in the coming days. I would also like to urge the media to kindly present the full facts and verify the authenticity of the information being shared.”
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) December 21, 2024
Robin Uthappa has now taken up the role of broadcaster after retiring from cricket. He played 59 international matches for India, scoring 1,183 runs with seven half-centuries.