The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken stringent action against Saurav Garg, director of M/s Longview Tea Estate located in Pankhabari, Kurseong, Darjeeling, by issuing a warrant for his arrest. The warrant stems from the alleged non-payment of provident fund dues totaling Rs 7.30 crore.
Details of the Arrest Warrant
Issued on May 19 by Ankit Srivastava, assistant provident fund commissioner and recovery officer at the EPFO regional office in Siliguri, the warrant was forwarded to the officer-in-charge of Kurseong police station. The legal basis for the warrant is Section 8(B)(2) of the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
Directives to Police
The police have been instructed to apprehend Saurav Garg and produce him before the recovery officer at Bhavishyanidhi Bhawan, Siliguri, 'as soon as practicable and in any event within 24 hours.' This underscores the urgency of the matter.
Breakdown of Unpaid Dues
According to EPFO records, the unpaid provident fund contributions pertain to multiple periods between 2013 and 2022. The largest single liability exceeds Rs 3.18 crore, covering the period from May 2015 to March 2019. The warrant also notes that interest and additional charges may further increase the total recoverable amount.
Conditions for Release
The warrant stipulates that Garg may be released only if the entire outstanding dues are cleared immediately through a demand draft. This condition emphasizes the EPFO's determination to recover the funds without further delay.
Background of Unrest
This development occurs against a backdrop of continuing unrest at the tea estate. Workers have been protesting over unpaid wages and other statutory dues, highlighting the broader labor issues at the plantation. The arrest warrant adds a new dimension to the ongoing dispute between the management and the workforce.
