Srirangapatna (Karnataka) [India], May 13 (HBTV): Renowned agricultural scientist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Subbanna Ayyappan (70), who had been missing since May 7, was found dead in the Cauvery river near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, police officials confirmed.

Ayyappan, who resided with his wife in the Vishweshwara Nagar industrial area of Mysuru, is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The Srirangapatna police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the cause of death. According to officials, they received information about the sighting of an unidentified body in the river on Saturday evening. Upon reaching the spot and retrieving the body, authorities identified it as Dr Ayyappan. His scooter was found abandoned on the riverbank.

After he failed to return home for three days, his family filed a missing person complaint at the Vidyaranapuram police station in Mysuru. A preliminary inquiry suggested the possibility that he may have jumped into the river, but officials emphasised that a proper investigation is needed to determine the exact cause of death.

Dr Ayyappan had completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fisheries and held several top national positions. He was instrumental in advancing India's Blue Revolution and contributed significantly to agricultural development in the country. In recognition of his contributions, he was conferred the Padma Shri in 2022. (ANI)