Bangalore: Continuing his attacks on former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, Excise Minister MP Renukacharya on Wednesday questioned his ‘silence’ over corruption by officials of the anti-corruption watchdog.

“Why did Hegde not take action against those corrupt officials”, Renukacharya a staunch supporter of former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa asked at a press meet here while pointing out to former Lokayukta top police officer’s statement that Lokayukta officials received bribes from various offices.

He alleged that Hegde’s report on illegal mining was “politically motivated” with the sole aim of ousting Yeddyurappa from chief ministership.

 Renukacharya said the mining lobby thrived during Congress Government and that government issued no-objection certificate for mining activity in Bellary reserved forest area in 2003.

The then minister for mines and geology V Muniyappa was forced to give permission for mining in reserved forest area, he claimed.