Rowdy inspired by Duryodhana in the Mahabharata to evade the police

Dileep, a rowdy-sheeter, was arrested while hiding under water in Bhadravati town on 2 September 2026. Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Police in New Town’s Bhadravati on Wednesday arrested a noisy placemat hiding underwater in a pond covered in thick bushes — an idea he drew from Duryodhana in the Mahabharata, he later told police.

Dileep, 21, a resident of Bhadravati, is facing 16 cases, including two counts of attempted murder. He ignored three non-bailable warrants (NBWs) issued against him recently, prompting police to step up efforts to track him down.

He occasionally visited his house and was careful to avoid the police. But on Wednesday, the police received information about his movements in the city and chased him. He disappeared near a nearby pond while trying to escape.

Bhadravati New Town PSI T. Ramesh and his team suspected that he was hiding in the pond. A disturbed pattern in the bushes along the bank and a slight movement among the thick foliage strengthened their suspicions. “Constable Prasanna and I got into the water and caught him,” Mr Ramesh said.

According to police, the troublemaker found the perfect place to hide, staying submerged and comfortable while periodically raising his head to breathe. When asked by the police about his choice of hideout, Dileep reportedly said that he got the idea from Duryodhana, who made famous underwater in the Mahabharata. He was remanded in judicial custody.

In a video message, Superintendent of Police Shivamogga B. Nikhil lauded the efforts of Mr. Ramesh and constables Prasanna, Halappa, Gangadhar and others involved in the operation and announced a cash reward for the team.

Published – 03 Sep 2026 20:05 IST