Panjim: Random statements on matters related to COVID-19 and the pandemic-induced lockdown has landed ex-minister Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco in soup as the Crime Branch has registered a cognisable offense against him.

A First Information Report (FIR) under sections 504 and 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against Mickkybased on his remarks made at press briefings and in the videos which are in circulation.

“He (Mickky) has been making a number of allegations and giving out information during press conferences which amounts to violation of orders of the District Magistrate (DM). He is also putting out his videos on Facebook, which are unverified remarks on the police officers and the administration,” a senior officer told Herald on Tuesday.

In view of gross violation of the DM orders, the Crime Branch registered an FIR against him. While section 504 IPC is non-cognisable, section 188 IPC is otherwise. “So both these sections combined make it a cognisable offense,” the officer said.

Mickky has so far not been quizzed but summons are being readied to interrogate him shortly. “He will be summoned,” the source added.

All his claims, presently in public domain, are being ascertained as a part of the ongoing probe.