The current demise of Subbanna Ayyappan, former Director Normal of the Indian Council of Agricultural Analysis (ICAR) and Padma Shri awardee, has sparked requires a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. In response to PTI, Venugopal Badaravada, a former member of ICAR’s Governing Physique, has raised considerations over the “premature and mysterious” circumstances surrounding Ayyappan’s demise.
Ayyappan, aged 70, was reported lacking on Might 7 from his residence in Vishweshwara Nagar Industrial Space, Mysuru. His two-wheeler was discovered deserted on the banks of the Cauvery River close to Srirangapatna, a city of historic and non secular significance in Karnataka. Three days later, his physique was recovered from the river. Native police suspect he might have jumped into the river, however no conclusive proof has been introduced to verify this idea.
In letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and House Minister Amit Shah, Badaravada said, “The circumstances surrounding his premature demise are deeply troubling. His scooter was discovered deserted, and the reason for his demise stays unclear. These circumstances demand a court-monitored CBI investigation.”
He additional alleged that the incident exposes “deep-rooted corruption, irregular appointments, and abuse of energy inside ICAR, ASRB (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board), and affiliated establishments.” Badaravada steered that Ayyappan’s demise may 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 famend for his contributions to India’s Blue Revolution and was the primary non-crop scientist to move ICAR. In response to Fishery Information, his management in aquaculture and fisheries considerably superior the nation’s agricultural analysis and growth.
Badaravada additionally criticised ICAR for his personal elimination from the governing physique on Might 5, describing it as “illegal” and executed by way of “a one-sided workplace order with out conducting a critical inquiry.” He claimed, “This illegal elimination displays a harmful development inside ICAR, silencing whistleblowers whereas shielding entrenched corruption.”
As investigations proceed, the scientific neighborhood awaits readability on the circumstances of Ayyappan’s demise and the potential implications for institutional governance inside ICAR.
