Padma Shri Scientist Subbanna Ayyappan Found Dead in Cauvery River

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.