During this period, some thieves happened to pass by his ashrama, having stolen property belonging to the king. Finding that the king’s men were pursuing them, the thieves fled, after leaving their stolen property in the sage's ashrama. The king’s men seized Mandavya, believing him to be an accomplice.
During this time period, some thieves who had stolen property from the king came across the sage's ashram. When they were pursued by the king's guards, they abandoned their loot and fled. The king's men then apprehended Mandavya, mistaking him for an accomplice.