Padma Shri recipient and former ICAR chief S. Ayyappan found dead in Cauvery river near Mysuru

Credited for playing a significant role in the ‘Blue Revolution’, Dr. Ayyappan was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022.
| Photo Credit: AVG PRASAD

The body of former Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Subbanna Ayyappan, 69, was recovered from the Cauvery river at Srirangapatna near here on Saturday (May 10, 2025) two days after he was reported missing in Mysuru.

The body was recovered after locals noticed it floating in Cauvery river near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna, said Superintendent of Mandya district police Mallikarjun Baladandi.

His relatives had registered a missing complaint in Vidyaranyapuram police station in Mysuru City on May 8.

His footwear and a two wheeler were parked on the banks of the river. “It is not known whether he fell into the waters accidentally or committed suicide. We are investigating the matter,” said the police official.

The body will be handed over to the relatives after a post mortem is conducted at K R Hospital in Mysuru.

Gone missing on May 7

Dr. Ayyappan, who leaves behind his wife and two daughters, reportedly went missing on May 7. He was a resident of Vishweshwaranagar in Mysuru.

According to Dr. Ayyappan’s relatives, he was a highly spiritual person and was a frequent visitor to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and Nimishamba Temple in Srirangapatna. They were searching for him at various Ashrams in the vicinity of Srirangapatna when the body was recovered.

Padma Shri recipient

A renowned aquaculture scientist, Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan was the first non-crop scientist to head the ICAR. During his illustrious career, he held several positions including Director of Central Institute for Freshwater Aquaculture and Chairman of National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

Credited for playing a significant role in the ‘Blue Revolution’, Dr. Ayyappan was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022.