As the topic is becoming more interesting and lots of inputs have already poured into, I think it is high time to summarize and look in to the issue in a different perspective.
For any activity there are three things viz., Karanam (the Incident), Kaaranam (the Reason), Kartha (the Doer). Let us summarize and analyse from this point of view.
First the Karanam (the Incident): Murder of AK.
There is little doubt that AK was murdered. Considering his age, his could not be a natural death. Either it should be an accident or Murder.
In case it was an accident, there was ample possibility to glorify his death as assassination to gain sympathy or sorts. Seniors like SPS, Gokul, please comment on this aspect.
If it is a Murder, then further probe continues.
Let us for our discussion purpose assume that it is a Murder.
Second the Kaaranam (the Reason) and the Kartha (the Doer) : Why he should be murdered and by Whom?
As for as reasoning is concerned, the following could be the reasons.
POLITICAL RIVALRY: The cholas consolidating their position has potentially posing a threat to various other kingdoms should be a definite reason.
VEERAPANDIAN'S MURDER: Veerapandiyan was brutally beheaded by AK and the head was displayed at Thanjai Fort. This was evident from various inscriptions as brought out earlier. This act is unheard of during those days. I feel there is a strong resentment had emanated among Pandiyas which would be a reason to have tit for tat. MOTIVE HERE SEEMS TO BE STRONGER.
CHOLA FAMILY CONSPIRACY: The thread is revolving around this reason. People all over put forth their views and counterviews. The crux is no one wants to leave this option un attended. If we see the Dynastical Hierarchy, Sundara or his lineage was not supposed to be ascended to throne. But various political turnings have resulted in Sundara being ascended to throne. Further, Uthama, son of Kandaradhitha being alive, making AK as crown prince, defies logic. This could have irritated Uthama's followers.
Second, AK was made Military General of Kanchi and was consolidating his position. There could a threat that he may divide the chola kingdom, that could be detrimental to the interests of Cholas per se. To put check he might be eliminated, after Saama, Dhaana, Bedha and finally Dhanda.
Thirdly, as put forth by several persons, RRC and Kundavi could have conspired the killing. Though people make very wild and extreme assumptions, this does not seems to stand for the following reaons. We have to understand that Religion and Politics are two rails on which the Kingdom (now Country) train run. These two things should be at a particular distance for smooth running of a train.
Under this context, that was the period of renaissance of Saivism and Vaishnavism. Buddhism and Jainism never preached such atrocities, though there are remarks about some monks which does not have any back up. Under this social backdrop, it is very difficult to accept this stand. But, we have to accept that some become trend setters at some point of time.
The events occurred after the incident, that is crowning of Uthama, 16 long years of wait for RRC supports the theory that RRC and Kundavi being super power making Uthama a puppet. It can also be argued that to garner sympathy of people, Uthama was crowned. Had RRC was crowned immediately, it would have been a straight one plus one. This can also be probed.
Last but not the least, the apprehension about identifying the `Drohin' and punishing him/them. While Cholas are well known for their documentation like Uthiramerur Kalvettukal, Thiruvalangadu Cheppedugal, Udaiyar Kudi Kalvettugal etc., why there was no mention about the Drohin or probe / punishement process. What is the necessity for concealment of the same.
MY OPINION accident being termed as murder. Second, I would endorse, Veerapandiyan's aides plot. I would like to absolve others, by the logical derivation.
I expect our learned members to consider and comment the above.