General Naravane book controversy: Delhi Police ask Penguin to join probe amid leak storm

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police's Special Cell sent a notice to Penguin Random House India Pvt Limited regarding the alleged leak of a pre-print copy of the book "Four Stars of Destiny".

The police took cognisance of information found on social media claiming the book was circulated without clearance from authorities.


Upon verification, a PDF copy of the book was found on certain websites, and some online platforms displayed the book cover as if it was available for purchase.


Delhi Police's Special Cell earlier registered an FIR over the alleged leak of former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir, "Four Stars of Destiny".¹

According to the police, a PDF copy of the book, apparently prepared by Penguin Random House India, was available on certain websites, and some online marketing platforms displayed the finished book cover as if it was available for purchase. Penguin Random House India clarified that it held the sole publishing rights for the book and did not yet publish it in any form.

"We wish to make it clear that the book did not go into publication. No copies of the book - in print or digital form - were published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public by Penguin Random House India," the publisher stated on X.

The controversy sparked a political row in Parliament, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi quoting from the book and alleging that the govt was preventing discussion on it. The police are investigating the leak and possible copyright infringement.