Latest news with #Badaravada
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business Standard
Padma Shri scientist Subbanna Ayyappan found dead in Karnataka river
Renowned fisheries expert and Padma Shri awardee Subbanna Ayyappan was found dead in the Cauvery river on May 10, three days after he went missing from his Mysuru residence. His body was recovered near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka. He was 70. According to local police, Ayyappan's body was discovered in a decomposed state and did not bear any external injuries. 'The body was in a decomposed state when it was retrieved from the water. It did not bear any injuries. He had left the mobile phone at home. Suicide cannot be ruled out,' a police official told The Hindu. However, authorities have stated that the exact cause of death remains unclear and will be determined following a full investigation. Ayyappan's two-wheeler was found abandoned on the riverbank, intensifying the mystery surrounding his disappearance. He had last been seen leaving his flat on Akkamahadevi Road in Mysuru on May 7. His family filed a missing person's complaint at the Vidyaranyapura Police Station after he failed to return. Following a post-mortem conducted at KR Hospital, Mysuru, Ayyappan's body was handed over to his family. The final rites were conducted with state honours at the foot of Chamundi Hills. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Calls for CBI probe Amid concerns over the circumstances of Ayyappan's death, Venugopal Badaravada, a former governing body member of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has demanded a court-monitored CBI probe. In letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Badaravada wrote, 'The conditions surrounding his untimely death are deeply troubling. His scooter was found abandoned, and the cause of his death remains unclear. These circumstances demand a court-monitored CBI investigation.' Badaravada alleged that the incident pointed to 'deep-rooted corruption, irregular appointments, and abuse of power within ICAR, ASRB (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board), and affiliated institutions.' He suggested that Ayyappan's death could be linked to 'institutional vendetta or administrative collapse,' adding that his own removal from the ICAR governing body on May 5 was 'unlawful' and executed without a proper inquiry. A pioneer of India's blue revolution Ayyappan was widely celebrated as the architect of India's Blue Revolution — a movement that enhanced fish production through scientific aquaculture. His leadership played a crucial role in improving rural livelihoods and ensuring food security across the country's coastal and inland regions. He made history by becoming the first fisheries scientist to serve as the Director General of ICAR, a position traditionally held by crop scientists. His career spanned several prestigious roles, 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. 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). In 2022, Ayyappan was awarded the Padma Shri for his exceptional contributions to fisheries and agricultural research. Tributes pour in from scientific community Condolences have poured in from across the scientific and agricultural sectors. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) posted, 'With deep sorrow, the ICAR family mourns the sad demise of Dr S Ayyappan, former Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR. May his soul rest in eternal peace!' The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) also paid homage, writing 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 revolutionised the sector, uplifting countless farmers and fisherfolk.' NABL-QCI, where Ayyappan last served as Chairman, said, 'We are deeply saddened to note the sudden demise of Padma Shri Dr Subbanna Ayyappan... May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us.' [With agency inputs]
Mint
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
ICAR ex-chief Subbanna Ayyappan's ‘mysterious' death: Former member demands CBI probe, cites ‘institutional vendetta'
The recent death of Subbanna Ayyappan, former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Padma Shri awardee, has sparked calls for a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. According to PTI, Venugopal Badaravada, a former member of ICAR's Governing Body, has raised concerns over the 'untimely and mysterious' circumstances surrounding Ayyappan's demise. Ayyappan, aged 70, was reported missing on May 7 from his residence in Vishweshwara Nagar Industrial Area, Mysuru. His two-wheeler was found abandoned on the banks of the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna, a town of historical and religious significance in Karnataka. Three days later, his body was recovered from the river. Local police suspect he may have jumped into the river, but no conclusive evidence has been presented to confirm this theory. In letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Badaravada stated, 'The conditions surrounding his untimely death are deeply troubling. His scooter was found abandoned, and the cause of his death remains unclear. These circumstances demand a court-monitored CBI investigation.' He further 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 suggested that Ayyappan's death might be a consequence of 'institutional vendetta or administrative collapse,' sentiments echoed by members of the scientific and farming communities. A well-known scientist, Ayyappan was renowned for his contributions to India's Blue Revolution and was the first non-crop scientist to head ICAR. According to Fishery News, his leadership in aquaculture and fisheries significantly advanced the nation's agricultural research and development. Badaravada also criticised ICAR for his own removal from the governing body on May 5, describing it as 'unlawful' and executed through 'a one-sided office order without conducting a serious inquiry.' He claimed, 'This unlawful removal reflects a dangerous trend within ICAR, silencing whistleblowers while shielding entrenched corruption.'
The Print
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Former ICAR member demands CBI probe into Padma Shri awardee Ayyappan's death
In separate letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Badaravada alleged that the tragic event reveals 'deep-rooted corruption, irregular appointments, and abuse of power within ICAR, ASRB (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board), and affiliated institutions'. Venugopal Badaravada, previously on ICAR's Governing Body, said: 'The conditions surrounding his untimely death are deeply troubling. His scooter was found abandoned, and the cause of his death remains unclear. These circumstances demand a court-monitored CBI investigation'. New Delhi, May 11 (PTI) A former member of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Sunday demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the 'untimely and mysterious' death of former ICAR Director General and Padma Shri awardee Subbanna Ayyappan. 'Ayyappan ji's death might be a consequence of institutional vendetta or administrative collapse, as the scientific and farming communities are now alleging,' he added. Ayyappan (70) was found dead in the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna, Karnataka, on Saturday. His two-wheeler was discovered on the riverbank, with local police suspecting he may have jumped into the river. His body was recovered three days after he went missing under suspicious circumstances. Badaravada also criticised ICAR for 'unlawfully' removing him from the governing body on May 5 through 'a one-sided office order without conducting a serious inquiry'. 'This unlawful removal reflects a dangerous trend within ICAR, silencing whistleblowers while shielding entrenched corruption,' he claimed. Ayyappan, who resided in Vishweshwara Nagar Industrial Area of Mysuru, was reported missing on May 7 when his family filed a complaint with the Vidyaranyapuram Police Station. Police noted that he often meditated at the Saibaba ashram, located on the Cauvery River banks in Srirangapatna. The deceased scientist was the first non-crop specialist to head ICAR and was credited with playing a significant role in India's 'Blue Revolution'. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. PTI LUX BAL BAL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Mint
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
ICAR ex-chief Subbanna Ayyappan's 'mysterious' death: Former member demands CBI probe, cites 'institutional vendetta'
The recent death of Subbanna Ayyappan, former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Padma Shri awardee, has sparked calls for a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. According to PTI, Venugopal Badaravada, a former member of ICAR's Governing Body, has raised concerns over the 'untimely and mysterious' circumstances surrounding Ayyappan's demise. Ayyappan, aged 70, was reported missing on May 7 from his residence in Vishweshwara Nagar Industrial Area, Mysuru. His two-wheeler was found abandoned on the banks of the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna, a town of historical and religious significance in Karnataka. Three days later, his body was recovered from the river. Local police suspect he may have jumped into the river, but no conclusive evidence has been presented to confirm this theory. In letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Badaravada stated, 'The conditions surrounding his untimely death are deeply troubling. His scooter was found abandoned, and the cause of his death remains unclear. These circumstances demand a court-monitored CBI investigation.' He further 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 suggested that Ayyappan's death might be a consequence of 'institutional vendetta or administrative collapse,' sentiments echoed by members of the scientific and farming communities. A well-known scientist, Ayyappan was renowned for his contributions to India's Blue Revolution and was the first non-crop scientist to head ICAR. According to Fishery News, his leadership in aquaculture and fisheries significantly advanced the nation's agricultural research and development. Badaravada also criticised ICAR for his own removal from the governing body on May 5, describing it as 'unlawful' and executed through 'a one-sided office order without conducting a serious inquiry.' He claimed, 'This unlawful removal reflects a dangerous trend within ICAR, silencing whistleblowers while shielding entrenched corruption.' As investigations continue, the scientific community awaits clarity on the circumstances of Ayyappan's death and the potential implications for institutional governance within ICAR.
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
ICAR expels farmers' member, who questioned genome-edited seeds, from governing body
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has expelled Varanasi-based farmer Venugopal Badaravada from the Governing Body (GB) as well as the General Body of the ICAR Society. Mr. Badaravada, a farmers' representative in both the panels, had questioned the genome-edited seeds developed by the ICAR recently and had also alleged that the appointments in ICAR are not done transparently. The farmer said he has approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the decision to remove him from these bodies. ICAR GB's member secretary Sanjay Garg said in the expulsion order that Mr. Badaravada has been sending various mails levying 'frivolous, baseless and materially unsupported allegations' against various authorities of the Union Government, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and the ICAR for the last seven-eight months. Mr. Garg added that Mr. Badaravada's demands were against the established rules and procedures of the ICAR and the Centre. He alleged that the farmers' representative released press releases to the media houses in the capacity of the GB member of the ICAR Society, thereby acting against the interest of the organisation. 'By such acts, he has grossly tarnished the image of ICAR and has violated the very core intent of his being the member of the General Body and the Governing Body of the ICAR Society and has thereby involved himself in acts unbecoming of a member of the General Body and the Governing Body of the ICAR Society,' Mr. Garg said. He said Mr. Badaravada made unreasonable financial and logistical demands in exchange for his cooperation in the investigation of his own allegations, including an appearance fees of more than ₹2 crore for each online session and a minimum of ₹500 crore personal insurance cover for in-person appearances, establishment of a fully staffed high-security office in North Block, New Delhi, a charter flight, premium accommodation, extensive security arrangements, and logistical support from ICAR. 'Additionally, he indicated that the in-person appearance fee is negotiable. Such unreasonable demands in the process of investigation of complaints indicate that he was not sincere in pursuing his complaints, and such complaints were made without any basis and supporting facts,' the ICAR official said, giving out the reasons for Mr. Badaravada's expulsion. Mr. Badaravada said in his letter to Mr. Modi that he submitted multiple complaints since 2023 to the ICAR authorities, backed by detailed evidence. 'However, no action has been taken. Accordingly, I have submitted petitions to the Prime Minister, the President of Bharat, and others. These petitions, which highlight serious issues regarding corruption, mismanagement, and systemic failures in ICAR, were forwarded to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and to the ICAR Vigilance Wing for investigation and action,' he said. He alleged corruption in the appointments for research management positions in ICAR and said it was a bigger scam than Vyapam. 'Narendra Modi Ji's clarion call — 'Na Khaunga, Na Khane Doonga' — resonates with millions of honest citizens. But unless acted upon swiftly, this nexus will continue to mock that very ideal,' he said demanding a CBI or Joint Parliamentary Committee-monitored investigation on the matter.
