Jayaram Jayalalitha sentenced to four years in jail on corruption charges

India’s top politician Jayaram Jayalalitha has been sentenced to jail for four years on corruption charges in a case that has lasted for 18 years.

Jayaram Jayalalitha, the chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, was found guilty of amassing wealth of more than $10 million which was unaccounted for.

She has to pay a 1 billion rupee ($16 million) fine and resign as chief minister.

A former actress, Jayaram Jayalalitha’s life has been marked by a series of high and lows.

The verdict was delivered by a special court in Bangalore amid tight security.

Along with three others, Jayaram Jayalalitha was sentenced to an immediate jail term, and was due to be sent to Parappana Agrahara prison in Bangalore.

Jayaram Jayalalitha complained of chest pains and giddiness after the verdict was delivered, the Times of India reported, and was sent to the prison hospital for assessment.

The corruption case focused on Jayaram Jayalalitha’s personal wealth and was brought by a rival political party,

Jayaram Jayalalitha has always argued that the case was politically motivated.

Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, Jayaram Jayalalitha inspires intense loyalty, even adoration, but she has been associated with a lavish lifestyle.