Thousands mourn India’s ‘iron lady’

Police in Tamil Nadu in south India are on high alert for fear that millions of grief-crazed supporters will swarm out onto the streets to vent their anguish over the death today of the woman they worshipped, Jayaram Jayalalithaa, one of India's most influential and colourful politicians.

The 68-year-old chief minister of Tamil Nadu state suffered a heart attack on Sunday night and died on Monday, Chennai's Apollo Hospital says.

Her body, draped in the Indian flag, is on display at a large public hall.

Extra police have been deployed in the southern state amid fears of unrest.

The extreme devotion she inspires among her supporters, many of whom refer to her as "Amma" (mother) have led to concerns that they could resort to self-harm or violence.

Draped in a green sari that covered her entirely, Jayalalithaa has been a household figure for over three decades.

Earlier reports of her death, which were swiftly withdrawn, prompted scuffles between police and her supporters outside the private hospital.

A seven-day period of mourning has been declared in Tamil Nadu. The central government in Delhi has announced that Tuesday will be a national holiday as a mark of respect and that she will be given a funeral with full state honours.