On September 9 the 16‑year‑old left home, was lured to Bollarum railway station by Neeraj and Vicky, and given a cigarette laced with marijuana.
Vicky then drove her to a Dhulapally hotel where Nikhil and two other men joined in the assault, moving from the hotel to an empty train carriage near Medchal, and again to a house in Bollarum.
Investigators say the accused first contacted the girl via social media, and earlier incidents of abuse involving six of the men over 18 months were uncovered.
Police also arrested the hotel owner and manager for facilitating the minor’s entry without proper verification.
DCP Ch Sridhar noted that authorities are tracing a ganja supplier and that the ninth suspect remains at large.
The case is now registered under the POCSO Act; a court hearing is slated for October 15.