The death of Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, a celebrated scientist and Padma Shri awardee known for his pivotal role in India's Blue Revolution, is currently shrouded in mystery, prompting questions of whether it was a case of suicide, an accident, or potentially even foul play. Ayyappan, 70, had been missing since May 7th before his body was discovered on May 10th in the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna in Karnataka.

Dr. Ayyappan was a resident of Visvesvaraya Nagar in Mysuru. His family reported him missing to the Vidyaranyapuram Police Station after he failed to return home on May 7. Authorities were alerted after a resident reported a body floating in the Cauvery River. Police identified the body as Dr. Ayyappan and found his two-wheeler nearby. While initial investigations suggest a possible suicide, authorities are not ruling out other possibilities. The police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations to determine the cause of death.

Adding to the mystery is the revelation that Dr. Ayyappan reportedly could not swim. Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Bala Dandi, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that an inspector has been assigned to conduct a detailed inquiry. He stated that, "It has been said that he did not know how to swim, but further evidence is needed to confirm any conclusions". The absence of visible injuries on the body and lack of CCTV footage in the remote area further complicate the investigation.

Venugopal Badaravada, a former member of ICAR's Governing Body, has called for a court-monitored CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe into the "untimely and mysterious" circumstances surrounding Ayyappan's death. In letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Badaravada stated that "The conditions surrounding his untimely death are deeply troubling". He also alleged that the incident exposes "deep-rooted corruption, irregular appointments, and abuse of power within ICAR, ASRB (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board), and affiliated institutions". Badaravada has suggested that Ayyappan's death might be a consequence of "institutional vendetta or administrative collapse," a sentiment echoed by members of the scientific and farming communities.

Dr. Ayyappan's contributions to Indian aquaculture are widely recognized. He spearheaded the Blue Revolution, which significantly increased fish production in India through scientific aquaculture. He held several prestigious positions throughout his career, including Director of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, Director of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) in Mumbai, and founding CEO of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad. Notably, Ayyappan was the first fisheries scientist to become the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a position traditionally held by crop scientists. He also served as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal. At the time of his death, he chaired the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 in recognition of his contributions.

Tributes have poured in from across the scientific community. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) posted on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri Dr S Ayyappan... A true visionary in Indian fisheries and agricultural research, his pioneering work revolutionized the sector, uplifting countless farmers and fisherfolk". NABL-QCI also expressed their condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened to note the sudden demise of Padma Shri Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan... May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us".

Dr. Ayyappan is survived by his wife and two daughters. His final rites were conducted with state honors at the foot of Chamundi Hills. As the investigation continues, the scientific community and the nation await answers to the questions surrounding the death of a man who contributed significantly to India's food security and the livelihoods of countless farmers and fisherfolk.