Bhadravati rowdy-sheeter caught hiding underwater in pond, inspired by Mahabharata
Bhadravati police arrested Dileep, 21, who hid underwater in a pond to evade arrest, citing a Mahabharata-inspired tactic.
Police in Bhadravati arrested a 21-year-old rowdy-sheeter on Wednesday after he attempted to evade capture by hiding underwater in a pond, a tactic he later said was inspired by the Mahabharata character Duryodhana.
Dileep, a resident of Bhadravati, was wanted in connection with 16 cases, including two of attempted murder. He had ignored three non-bailable warrants issued against him, prompting police to step up efforts to trace him.
Acting on a tip-off about his movements in the town, a police team chased him on Wednesday. During the pursuit, Dileep disappeared near a pond covered with thick shrubs.
Sub-Inspector T. Ramesh and his team suspected he might be hiding in the water after noticing disturbed shrub patterns and slight movement in the foliage. Constable Prasanna and the sub-inspector then entered the pond and apprehended him.
Police said Dileep had found the spot suitable for concealment, staying submerged while periodically raising his head to breathe. When questioned about his choice of hideout, he reportedly said he had drawn the idea from Duryodhana's famous underwater hiding episode in the Mahabharata.
Dileep has been remanded in judicial custody. Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil commended the team, including constables Prasanna, Halappa, and Gangadhar, and announced a cash reward for the operation.