Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar Seeks to Donate Rs 10 Cr to Victims of Odisha Train Tragedy

NEW DELHI: In a move that is sure to raise eyebrows, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, the conman who currently faces several cases of extortion, has stated in a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw that he wants to donate Rs 10 crore for victims of the Odisha train accident and sought the minister’s acquiescence for its acceptance.

In the letter addressed to the Railway Minister, Sukesh wrote that the intended contribution comes from his personal fund, which comprises his "legitimate source" of earning.

Sukesh, who is currently lodged in jail, explains in his letter that the fund can be used for the purpose of providing education to children who tragically lost their parents in the horrific train accident.

The horrifying triple-train crash in Balasore of Odisha earlier this month claimed the lives of a total of 288 people, while more than 1,200 people were injured. A probe into the accident has been started by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after the Railways gave its recommendation for it.

Sukesh termed the train crash as an "unfortunate mishap", saying that the tragedy has affected him very deeply. "My heart and prayers are with all those sisters and brothers and their families," he said.

He wrote that as the government is already providing all that is required to the affected people, he wanted to contribute his bit as a “responsible and good citizen”. He wanted his contribution of the Rs 10 Crore fund to be used specifically for the families and children, who comprise “our future youth,” those who had to lose their “loved one” or the “breadwinners of their family” to meet the expense for their education.

“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.

Sukesh went on to heap praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railways for taking swift action. Sukesh Chandrashekhar said that it was a very proud feeling to see the government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister personally taking control of the situation promptly and standing by every single one affected in the mishap and also taking strict action against those who were deemed responsible by their negligence.

Sukesh further informed that his organisations like Sharadha Foundation, Chandrashekhar Cancer Foundation, LS Education, have all been contributing towards different sectors in the southern states of the country.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar is accused of extorting money from politicians, celebrities and businessmen. He allegedly duped Aditi Singh, the wife of former pharma firm Ranbaxy’s owner Shivinder Mohan Singh, of Rs 200 crore. Along with him, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez is also charged as an accused in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

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