Padma Shri awardee Subbanna Ayyappan found dead

MANDYA: Renowned agricultural scientist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Subbanna Ayyappan (70), who had been missing, was found dead, police officials said, adding that his body was found in the Cauvery river near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna near Mysuru.

Ayyappan lived with his wife in the Vishweshwara Nagar industrial area of Mysuru and was missing from home since May 7. His wife and two daughters survive him. The Srirangapatna police have registered a case and started an investigation about the reason for the death.

The police received information about the sighting of an unidentified body in the river last Saturday evening. When they reached the spot and retrieved the body from the river, the scientist’s identity was discovered. Ayyappan’s scooter was found on the river bank.

We are deeply saddened to note the sudden demise of Padma Shri Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, Former Chairman of NABL-QCI. His contributions to the field of quality assurance and accreditation have left a lasting impact.

May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us. Our heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/N7cw83G4Vo

— NABL_QCI (@NABL_QCI) May 10, 2025

After three days, when he didn’t return, the family lodged a complaint at the Vidyaranapuram police station in Mysuru. Preliminary enquiry said that he might have jumped into the river, yet police said proper investigation can only reveal the cause of the death. Further investigation is underway.

Ayyappan completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Fisheries and held several top positions nationally. Instrumental in promoting India’s Blue Revolution, the Padma Shri awardee helped in boosting the country’s agriculture, after which his contributions were recgonised by the government in 2022. (ANI)