Padma Shri recipient and former ICAR chief S. Ayyappan dies in the Cauvery river near Mysuru

Dr. Ayyappan was praised for playing a major role in the Blue Revolution and was awarded Padma Shri in 2022. Image source: AVG Prasad

The body of Subbanna Ayyappan, former Director General of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), 69, was recovered from the Cauvery River in Srirangapatna near Saturday (May 10, 2025) after he disappeared for two days in Mysuru.

The principal of the Mandia Regional Police Department Mallikarjun Baladandi said the body was recovered after locals found it floating in the Cauvery River near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna.

His relatives registered a complaint on May 8 at the Vidyaranyapuram Police Station in Mysoru City.

His footwear and two-wheeler were parked on the river bank. “It is not clear whether he fell into the water by chance or committed suicide. We are investigating the matter,” police officer said.

After an autopsy was conducted at the KR hospital in Mysuru, the body will be handed over to relatives.

Missing on May 7

Dr. Ayyappan reportedly left his wife and two daughters, who disappeared on May 7.

According to Dr. Ayyappan’s relative, he was a highly spiritual person, a frequent visitor to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and Nimishamba Temple in Srirangapatna. When the body was recovered, they were searching for him among various revisions near Srirangapatna.

Padma Shri Recipient

Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan is a well-known aquaculture scientist and the first non-operational scientist to lead ICAR. During his outstanding career, he has held several positions, including Director of the Central Freshwater Aquaculture Institute and Chairman of the National Accreditation Commission Testing and Calibration Laboratory.

Dr. Ayyappan was praised for his important role in the Blue Revolution and was awarded Padma Shri in 2022.