Mahathaya How Tiger Chief Prabhakaran got his No 2 arrested, interrogated and executed

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ceased to exist as a functioning entity after its military defeat on the shores of Nandhikkadal lagoon in May 2009. The LTTE in its heyday was a very powerful politico-military organization that controlled extensive swathes of territory in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Covering the LTTE in those days was a huge bonanza for journalists as the activities of the Tigers - as they were widely known -- provided a treasure trove of news stories and articles for members of the scribe tribe.
One of the most sensational happenings within the Tiger realm in those days was the downfall and consequent demise of the then LTTE deputy leader Gopalaswamy Mahendrarajah alias Mahathaya. 

The popular and powerful Mahathaya had at one time been the trusted confidante and able No. 2 of LTTE Numero Uno Veluppillai Prabhakaran. However, Mahathaya fell foul of Prabhakaran at one point. This resulted in Mahathaya being arrested, detained and interrogated by the LTTE’s intelligence Chief Shanmugalingam Sivashankaran alias Pottu Ammaan in August 1993. 

After being held captive for almost 16 months, Mahathaya was executed in December 1994 on charges of treason. It was alleged that Mahathaya had collaborated with the Indian espionage agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to assassinate Prabhakaran and several other top Tigers. 

The arrest and detention of Mahathaya by the LTTE leadership on charges of treason for allegedly collaborating with India’s spy agency the RAW caused much excitement.  It also evoked a sense of disbelief. There was much speculation as to whether Mahathaya had indeed conspired to assassinate Prabhakaran or not. Moreover, the fate of Mahathaya was unknown for a long time. 

 Courtesy : Daily Mirror online (5 November 2022)