He would also threaten them of dire consequences if they disclosed the matter.

According to prosecution, Ramesh at times took the girls to his farm and raped them.

All the victims were in the age group of 12 to 15 years.

The incident came to the light on March 17, 2013 when one of the witnesses saw the sexual assault, following which an FIR was registered by Waliv police against Ramesh.

The prosecution said the girls were distant relatives.

The court relied on medical evidence, eyewitness account and testimony given by the victims.

Ramesh was charged under sections 376 (f) (committing rape on a woman when she is under twelve years of age), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of IPC and under sections 4 and 8 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.