Bengaluru, Mar 10 (Reporter) Congress leader Rizwan Arshad on Monday questioned the BJP over the allotment of 12 acres of Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) land in Tumakuru to a company linked to actress Ranya Rao, arrested allegedly for smuggling gold, stating that the party must first clarify its own role before hurling accusations at Congress leaders. "The BJP must answer why its government allotted 12 acres of KIADB land in Tumakuru to a company linked to Ranya Rao. Was she recognised as an industrialist, or does she have other questionable connections? Despite the company having no track record and being incorporated only nine months prior, this land was allotted. This raises serious concerns about the BJP’s nexus with Ranya Rao," Arshad told reporters here. Ranya was arrested last week at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with gold bars worth Rs 12 crore concealed in a hidden belt strapped to her body. She was remanded to the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10. Authorities also seized cash and jewellery worth several crores of rupees from her residence. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against an international drug smuggling network and launched a probe into its operations. Ranya is the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao, who has distanced himself from the controversy, stating that he has no knowledge of her activities as she lives with her husband, Jatin Hukkeri. Dismissing BJP’s claims that certain Congress leaders had links with Ranya, Arshad maintained that the ongoing probe by central agencies was independent and should not be politicised. "The ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and other agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is completely independent. They have full authority to examine the matter thoroughly and determine any potential links or involvement. We are not obstructing the investigation in any way and demand a fair and transparent inquiry. If anyone is found guilty, appropriate action will be taken," he said. Commenting on BJP's allegation that law and order was deteriorating in the state, particularly with reference to the recent gangrape case in Hampi, Arshad pointed fingers at right-wing organisations for allegedly fostering a culture of lawlessness. "Organisations affiliated with the BJP, such as Bajrang Dal, VHP, and others, have a history of taking the law into their own hands. They cannot shift blame onto others. The recent rape incident in Karnataka is a grave matter, and the government has acted swiftly. Two accused have been arrested, and efforts are underway to apprehend the third. We are committed to ensuring justice is served, and the perpetrators will face the severest legal consequences under the law." He further emphasised the Congress government's commitment to women’s safety. "This case is not just about one individual; it concerns the broader issue of women's safety and security. The Karnataka government will not compromise on this. The accused will be prosecuted to the fullest extent, and justice will be delivered without delay. Karnataka remains a state with a robust law enforcement system, and we will not allow its reputation to be tarnished," he added. Addressing Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga's "Rashmika Mandanna must be taught a lesson" remark, Arshad stated that the Congress government was committed to maintaining law and order in the state. "There is no threat to her safety. The Congress government is committed to (maintaining) law and order, and the police are fully equipped to ensure the security of every citizen. No Congress MLA is a lawless element or a threat to anyone. Actress Rashmika Mandanna is free to live her life and make independent choices, whether in her career or personal matters. Our government upholds individual liberty and respects every citizen’s right to make their own decisions...////...