Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa is facing legal trouble due to allegations of Provident Fund (PF) fraud involving ₹23 lakh. An arrest warrant has been issued against him by PF Regional Commissioner Shadakshari Gopal Reddy, who directed the Pulakeshinagar police to take action.
Uthappa, associated with Centuries Lifestyle Brand Private Limited, is accused of deducting PF contributions from employees’ salaries without depositing them into their respective accounts. This act constitutes a ‘criminal breach of trust’ under Section 405 of the Indian Penal Code, which holds employers accountable for misappropriating employee contributions.
On December 4, Commissioner Reddy instructed the police to execute the arrest warrant. However, the warrant was returned as Uthappa is believed to have relocated, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to locate him.
Robin Uthappa retired from all forms of cricket in 2022 but recently participated in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament in November 2024, showcasing impressive form. Throughout his career, he played 46 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, scoring 934 runs at a strike rate of 90.59, and had a notable Indian Premier League (IPL) career, amassing 4,952 runs in 205 matches at a strike rate of 130.35.
This legal issue could tarnish Uthappa’s reputation, potentially affecting his post-retirement endeavors, including roles in cricket broadcasting.