Padma Shri Scientist Subbanna Ayyappan Found Dead in Cauvery River

Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, a legendary figure in Indian fisheries science and recipient of the Padma Shri, was discovered dead in the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna on May 10. As the driving force behind India’s Blue Revolution, his untimely demise has sparked concern and calls for a CBI probe.

Shivam Last updated on May 14th, 2025 02:46 pm

Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, a pioneering fisheries scientist and recipient of the Padma Shri, was found dead in the Cauvery river near Srirangapatna, Karnataka, on May 10, 2025. Known as the architect of India’s Blue Revolution, his mysterious death has sparked calls for a court-monitored CBI probe amid allegations of institutional corruption.

Why in News?

Dr. Ayyappan went missing from his Mysuru residence on May 7, 2025. His decomposed body was recovered from the Cauvery River three days later. His two-wheeler was found abandoned on the riverbank, intensifying suspicions.

About Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan

Known for: Leading India’s Blue Revolution—enhancing fish production through scientific aquaculture.
Age at death: 70

Key Positions Held

Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University (Imphal)
Director, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar
Director, Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai
Founding CEO, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad
Chairman, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

Awards and Recognition

Padma Shri in 2022 for contributions to fisheries science and rural development.

Circumstances of Death

Last seen: Leaving his Mysuru flat on May 7.
Body found: May 10, near Sai Ashram, Srirangapatna.
Condition: Decomposed, no external injuries.
Mobile phone was left at home.
Police: Suicide suspected, but no conclusions drawn.

Allegations

Corruption, irregular appointments in ICAR & ASRB
Possible institutional vendetta tied to Dr. Ayyappan’s death
Badaravada himself was removed from ICAR just days before the incident.

Impact and Legacy

Instrumental in transforming rural livelihoods and food security through aquaculture.
Opened doors for fisheries scientists to hold top agricultural research roles.
Deeply mourned by institutions like ICAR and CMFRI.