Malaysians in the southern state of Tamil Nadu have been advised to stay indoors as protests and riots erupted immediately after Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa was convicted for a case involving disproportionate assets.

The 66-year-old former movie star, affectionately called 'Amma' by her supporters and given the monicker, 'Iron Lady of Tamil Nadu', was sentenced to four years' jail by the Special Court in Bangalore.

Jayalalithaa began her sentence effective today, and has been barred from polls for 10 years.

Malaysian Consul-General in Chennai, Chitra Devi Ramiah told Bernama here that Malaysians, especially students, had been alerted on the situation.

"At the moment, it is reported that all Malaysians, including tourists are safe and there are no safety-related issues reported to the consul-general," she said.

There are approximately 5,000 students in South India.

Jayalalithaa was found guilty of amassing Rs 66.65 crores (US$10.84 million) in wealth, disproportionate to known sources of her income during her first term in office between 1991-1996, reported Zee News.

Following the verdict, she has been disqualified as chief minister and member of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, it said.

According to the report, Jayalalithaa's close aide, Sasikala Natarajan, niece Ilavarasi and nephew, Sudhakaran, who is also her disowned foster son, were also convicted.

Meanwhile, shops throughout Tamil Nadu have been closed. Television has been flashing news of the ongoing riots. Schools have been closed for the day.