Hyderabad: On January 13, Telangana's Kamatipura police arrested three men for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl on multiple occasions in the span of four years, the city police said.

The arrest took place in Kamatipura area on Sunday after the girl alleged that apart from the three men who were arrested, she was sexually exploited by five others.

According to reports, the police officials arrested three accused, including a relative of the girl on December 31 after she filed a complaint against them.

In 2015, the relative, who lived a floor above the victim’s house, gave her a soft drink spiked with sedatives and then raped her, the victim said.

The girl also alleged that following this incident, the relative and two of his friends raped her on multiple occasions and blackmailed her after recording the act.

Speaking to reporters, Charminar Division Assistant Commissioner of Police, B Anjaiah said that the accused men are now in judicial custody and investigation is underway.

The girl later alleged that eight more persons, including her relative, had also exploited her sexually.

“Given the fresh allegations and to ensure better investigation, a woman police officer of the ACP rank has taken over the case,” Anjaiah said.

Following a complaint registered by the victim and her family members, the three accused were taken into custody under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act 2012. Since then, the 16-year-old girl has been undergoing counselling.