The nine accused were produced before Metropolitan Magistrate A A Khan here on Friday. They were sent to Arthur Road jail till December 7.

In an affidavit filed before the court, the Gujarat police claimed that the Maharashtra state intelligence had intimated them about an alleged conspiracy hatched by Surat-based SIMI activists to attack the nine accused. Fearing life threat to four accused policemen, including suspended DIG D G Vanzara, the Gujarat Police annexed correspondence between the Home departments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, claiming that money was paid to a group of SIMI activists, also lodged in Arthur Road jail, to attack the accused.

The intelligence input was generated on November 5, a copy of which is available with The Indian Express. The Gujarat Police suggested video conferencing as an option that the court could avail while conducting the trial.

The court, however, rejected the affidavit and directed the Superintendent of Arthur Road jail to file an affidavit by November 26, stating measures for safe custody of the accused.

Eight of the 19 accused, including former minister of state for home Amit Shah, who are out on bail, were present before the Metropolitan Magistrate court after summons were issued to them in the case.