Padma Shri Awardee Scientist Subanna Ayyappan Found Dead in Cauvery River; Police Investigating Cause

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025, Delhi  : Subanna Ayyappan, the renowned Padma Shri awardee and former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), was found dead in the Cauvery river in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, on Saturday, three days after his disappearance. His body was recovered by local authorities after being spotted floating in the river, triggering a wave of confusion and speculation regarding the circumstances of his death.

According to police sources, the body was initially unidentifiable, and it wasn't until Sunday that it was confirmed to be Ayyappan’s after his scooter was found nearby on the banks of the river. Ayyappan, a respected scientist who lived in Mysore with his wife and two daughters, had gone missing after leaving his home on May 7. His family was notified of his death on Sunday evening.

Initial investigations suggest the possibility of suicide, as police believe Ayyappan may have taken his own life. However, the Srirangapatna police have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Local authorities are exploring all angles, including whether Ayyappan’s regular visits to a nearby ashram for meditation might have played a role in the incident. Family sources confirmed that Ayyappan frequently went to the ashram near the Cauvery river for spiritual reflection, and investigators are trying to ascertain if he had visited the site on the day he went missing.

The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with colleagues and friends mourning the loss of a distinguished figure who made significant contributions to Indian agriculture and research. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death, and authorities are working to uncover more details to bring clarity to the case.