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Jayalalitha: India court rejects bail appeal
Jayalalitha has been a prominent figure for years, acquiring a reputation for enjoying a lavish lifestyle
A court in India has rejected a plea for bail by the imprisoned former chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Jayaram Jayalalitha.
The Karnataka High Court said it found no reason to suspend her conviction.
Jayalalitha, one of India's most colourful and controversial politicians, was jailed last month for four years on corruption charges.
In a case that lasted 18 years, she was found guilty of amassing unaccounted-for wealth of more than $10m (£6.1m).
Her AIADMK party named finance minister O Panneerselvam as her successor and he was sworn in as chief minister last week.
Security has been tight in the southern city of Bangalore, where the Karnataka High Court is located, for Tuesday's hearing.
A large number of Jayalalitha's supporters are in the city to show solidarity for their leader.
In neighbouring Tamil Nadu state, thousands of Jayalalitha's party supporters have held meetings and prayers for her release, reports said.
Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, Jayalalitha inspires intense loyalty, even adoration.
The flamboyant former film star has a huge following in Tamil Nadu and her imprisonment dismayed her supporters who have held protests and wept openly.
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