Padma Shri awardee, ICAR ex-chief Ayyappan found dead in river near Mysuru

MYSURU: Subbanna Ayyappan (70), the first non-crop scientist to head Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), was found dead in the Cauvery river near Srirangapatna, Mandya, about 20 km from Mysuru, on Saturday. Police retrieved his body after the public saw it floating in the river.

Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi confirmed that Ayyappan's body was retrieved from the river at around 11.30 am Saturday.

Police have ruled out foul play in the death of the Padma Shri awardee.

His two-wheeler was found parked near the river.

Ayyappan leaves behind a wife, two daughters, and sons-in-law. He went missing on May 7. A missing person's report was registered at Vidyaranyapuram police station in Mysuru on May 8.

Seema Latkar, commissioner of police, Mysuru city, said an investigation was on to determine the reason behind the death.

Based on CCTV footage, police had traced Ayyappan's location to Srirangapatna and a search was conducted at all the meditation centres in the area, given his penchant for meditation. According to the police, Ayyappan had reached Srirangapatna on his two-wheeler.