Need Help: PF Withdrawal

[viki2020]

I resigned from prev employer in 2005 september.As i was travelling immediately after that, I applied for trf of PF balance to new employer Feb 2006.My prev employer harassed my by replying in May2006 "that the PF cheque is ready but some dues amounting to appx Rs. 95000 are recoverable from me".When I asked the PF deptt of prev employer they said they have recd a letter from HR deptt on March 31st 2006 wrt some claims outstanding in my name hence they would deduct 95000 and pay only the balance which i refused.
Anyways now I want to withdraw my acc balance.

My question is :

• Can prev employer hold back my PF balance on such pretext
• When I resigned in sep2005,why was prev employer silent on this claim and is raising the issue only in May 2006.

I sense something fishy .Please guide how to withdraw my balance from the prev employer.Also do I need to send THEM the form 19 or can it be sent directly to Employer?

[jps50]

No one can touch your PF balance or hold the payment. Even courts cannot attach PF account as per PF act least your ex-employer. Pl file a detailed complaint with the PF office where account is maintained with a copy to your employer by regd ad post. If PF office does not reply or take action in 3 months or so , please file RTI appln by referring to my blog "Any thing pending with govt?" I also suggest you to refer my two blogs on PF withdrawal and Status. This will be useful to you and your other colleagues having PF problems.