India, Oct. 29 -- Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday denied reports about inquiry on utilisation of funds by the Sharad Pawar-headed Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) and clarified that no formal investigation has been initiated.

Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, "I want to make it very clear that the state government has not started any inquiry against Vasantdada Sugar Institute. It is a routine request seeking financial information. It is not a probe, but (sugar commissioner) only sought information regarding the funds given to VSI by levying a duty on sugar factories. There is nothing wrong with asking any institute to account for the funds it has received. For example, every year farmers give Rs.1 per tonne to the VSI. We...