A Kerala Catholic priest, accused of raping a minor girl, has been awarded a double life term by a special court.





Fr Edwin Figarez was also slapped with a fine of Rs 2,15,000.



His brother was sentenced to one year on charges of helping the priest go into hiding.

According to prosecution, Fr Figarez exploited the minor girl, who was also a member of the same parish which the priest served as the Vicar.



In April last year, girl's mother complained to the police following which the priest went into hiding and was arrested later.