The Bhadravathi New Town police on Wednesday arrested a rowdy-sheeter hiding under water in a pond covered with thick shrubs — an idea he drew from Duryodhana of the Mahabharata, he later told the police.

Dileep, 21, a resident of Bhadravati, is facing 16 cases, including two attempted murder. He had ignored three non-bailable warrants (NBWs) issued against him recently, prompting the police to intensify efforts to trace him.

He would occasionally visit his house, taking care to avoid the police. On Wednesday, however, the police received information about his movements in the town and chased him. Attempting to escape, he vanished near a pond in the area.

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

According to the police, the rowdy-sheeter had found the spot ideal to hide in, staying submerged and comfortable while raising his head periodically to breathe. When the police asked him about the choice of hideout, Dileep reportedly said he had drawn the idea from Duryodhana, who famously hid under water in the Mahabharata. He has been remanded in judicial custody.

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