Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha jailed for 4 years
Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha jailed for 4 years
One of India's most colourful and controversial politicians, Jayaram Jayalalitha, has been sentenced to jail for four years on corruption charges in a case that has lasted for 18 years.
The chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu was found guilty of amassing wealth of more than $10m (£6.1m) which was unaccounted for.
She has to pay a multi-million dollar fine and resign as chief minister.
A former actress, her life has been marked by a series of high and lows.
The verdict was delivered by a special court in Bangalore amid tight security.
The prosecution argued that Jayalalitha and three others committed an offence against society, the Indian Express reported.
The court has sentenced all four accused to four years in prison each, with Jayalalitha also facing a 1bn rupee fine ($16m, £10m). The others have been ordered to pay a fine of about $1.6m each.
It said that supporters of AIADMK party were forcibly dispersed by police as they tried to make their way to the court.
The BBC's Jill McGivering says that Jayalalitha is a legendary figure - a flamboyant former film star who has been central to south Indian politics for three decades.
The corruption case focused on her personal wealth and was brought by a rival political party,
Jayalalitha has always argued that it was politically motivated.
Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, she inspires intense loyalty, even adoration.
But she has been associated with a lavish lifestyle.
Her foster son's wedding almost 20 years ago broke world records for its sheer scale - including 150,000 guests.