The CB-CID arrested three auto rickshaw drivers in Puducherry over charges of kidnapping and forcing minor girls into prostitution. 

The identities of the men were revealed after the young girls confirmed that they were the culprits, reports ToI.

These arrests come following a prostitution racket that was busted in June. 

According to reports, the girls were aged between 15 and 17. 

While two of the victims hailed from Puducherry, one was from Karaikal and the other from Cuddalore district. 

The girls had run away from their homes and three of them were orphans. 

A gang of over 15 people was suspected to be part of this, mostly auto drivers. 

Efforts are on to trace five more people involved in the racket.

"We suspect the involvement of four or five others mostly auto drivers from Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. We will be in a position to arrest all those involved in the crime once we nab these four or five people," said superintendent of police (CB-CID) B Arumugham told ToI.

Police got their first lead when the girls were accommodated in one of the gang member's relative's house at Vambakeerapalayam. 

Local residents on spotting the girls, reportedly informed the police out of suspicion. 

A team then rescued the girls with the help of the Child Welfare Committee. 

The girls recorded their statements before a judicial magistrate on July 20, following which they have been sent to a government approved children’s home.