Padma Shri Scientist Found Dead in Cauvery: Police Probe Unnatural Death of Aquaculture Pioneer
&nbsp;The body of celebrated agricultural scientist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Subbanna Ayyappan (70), who had been reported missing for nearly a week, was discovered in the Cauvery river near Sai Ashram on the outskirts of Srirangapatna, Mandya district. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and police have launched an investigation into what is being treated as an unnatural death.
Dr Ayyappan, a noted architect of India&rsquo;s Blue Revolution, had been residing in Mysuru&rsquo;s Vishweshwara Nagar industrial area with his wife. He reportedly left his residence alone on 7 May without his mobile phone and failed to return. His family filed a missing persons report at the Vidyaranyapuram police station the same day.
Sources within the Srirangapatna police confirmed that an unidentified body was spotted floating in the river on Saturday evening by local residents. Officers arriving at the scene recovered the body, later identified as that of Dr Ayyappan. His scooter was found parked a short distance away near the Sai Ashram, a location he was said to frequent for meditation.
Investigators believe the scientist may have entered the water several days before the body was recovered. Post-mortem examination was conducted at KR Hospital in Mysuru, after which the remains were released to the family.
Police officials have not ruled out any possibilities, but there were no immediate signs of foul play. The cause of death remains pending forensic analysis.
Dr Ayyappan, who earned his PhD from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, in 1998, had an illustrious career shaping India&rsquo;s aquaculture and fisheries sector. His leadership roles included tenures at ICAR, CIFA, CIFE, NFDB, and DARE. He was last serving in honorary capacities, including as chairman of NABL.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information about Dr Ayyappan&rsquo;s last known movements to come forward.

Mystery surrounds death of aquaculture pioneer Subbanna Ayyappan; police begin probe

Padma Shri Scientist Found Dead in Cauvery River

Mystery surrounds death of aquaculture pioneer Subbanna Ayyappan; police begin probe

May 13, 2025 | 15:21 IST