Indian politician convicted in corruption case

In a verdict announced on Saturday, a court in Bangalore found the 66-year-old star politician guilty of possessing wealth which was disproportionate to her known sources of income.

Prosecutors said Jayalalitha's assets - a fortune of about 660 million rupees ($11 million, 8.7 million euros) - far exceeded her known earnings during her first term in office as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, from 1991 to 1996.

Jayalalitha, one of India's most controversial and colorful politicians, began her third stint as Tamil Nadu's chief minister in May 2011. Her All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party is the third biggest force in the country's national parliament after winning most of the Tamil Nadu seats in this year's elections.

Indian media was speculating whether she would have to step down from her chief minister post as a result of the graft verdict.

The former actress, who in her youth starred in more than 100 films, has staunch supporters in Tamil Nadu and is known to her followers as "Amma," which means mother. Her supporters have maintained that the charges were politically motivated.

Three of her associates were also found guilty in the corruption case, which was held in Bangalore amid high security.

There were also reports of a strong police presence across Tamil Nadu to prevent clashes between Jayalaitha's supporters and rival groups.

se/sb (AFP, dpa, AP)