New Delhi: Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is currently lodged in jail, has written a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw offering to donate Rs 10 crore for the education of children orphaned in the Odisha train accident.

In his letter addressed to the railway minister, Chandrashekhar wrote the contribution would be from his personal fund which is his "legitimate source" of earnings, reported India Today.

As many as 288 people died and over 1,200 were injured in the devastating triple-train crash in Odisha’s Balasore earlier this month.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated an investigation into the accident based on the recommendation of the Railways.

"My heart and prayers are with all those sisters and brothers and their families," he said.

"As our government is already providing all the needful to the affected, I, as a responsible and good citizen, am contributing this fund of Rs 10 Crore/- as a fund to be used specifically for those families/ children, our future youth, who have lost their loved one/ breadwinners of their family towards their education expenses. The contribution to be specifically used for that every child of the deceased for their education expenses, be it school, high school, college education," his letter read.

He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways for taking prompt action. "It’s a very proud feeling to see our government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister who personally took control of the situation in no time and stood by every single affected one in the mishap and took strong action against those who were responsible for their negligence."

Sukesh said that his organisation, Sharadha Foundation, Chandrashekhar Cancer Foundation, LS Education, has been actively involved in making contributions across various sectors in the southern states of the country.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar has been involved in extorting money from politicians, celebrities, and businessmen.

One of his victims was Aditi Singh, the wife of former Ranbaxy owner Shivinder Mohan Singh, whom he duped of Rs 200 crore. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez is also implicated in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Both Sukesh Chandrashekhar and his wife, Leena Maria Paul, were arrested by the Delhi Police for their alleged involvement in the case.