Leak Row: Delhi Police Probe Circulation of Former Army Chief’s Memoir
New Delhi: Delhi Police have registered an FIR after an unpublished memoir by former Army chief General M.M. Naravane allegedly surfaced online and was circulated without mandatory clearance, triggering an investigation and a sharp political controversy.
Officials said the case was initiated following alerts about social media posts and online listings suggesting that the book — Four Stars of Destiny — was being shared and promoted before receiving official approval for release. Preliminary checks indicated that a typeset PDF version of the manuscript was accessible on certain websites, raising concerns over unauthorised dissemination.
Investigators are examining possible copyright violations, illegal distribution and procedural lapses, including how the material reached public platforms ahead of clearance. Authorities also flagged instances where online retail or marketing platforms displayed the book’s cover as if it were available for purchase despite no formal publication.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, the probe has been handed to the Special Cell of Delhi Police. Teams have been tasked with tracing the origin of the alleged leak, identifying those responsible for uploading or circulating the material, and establishing the chain of dissemination.
Book stalled since 2024
The controversy revives questions surrounding the memoir’s stalled publication. In 2024, Four Stars of Destiny — chronicling nearly four decades of General Naravane’s service — was scheduled for release, with bookstores accepting pre-orders and readers booking copies online. However, the launch was halted, and two years later the book remains unpublished.
The memoir reportedly traces Naravane’s journey from a Second Lieutenant to Army chief, including his leadership during India’s most significant military confrontation with China since the 1962 war. The manuscript is understood to have been prepared for publication by Penguin Random House India.
We wish to make it clear that the book has not gone into publication. No copies of the book – in print or digital form – have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public, says Penguin Random House India on former Army Chief Gen Naravane’s book,… https://t.co/gNUaiQz2Rq
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 9, 2026
How did Rahul Gandhi get an unpublished book by Gen Naravane?
The appearance of a printed hardback copy inside Parliament in the hands of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a central point of contention. While Gandhi cited excerpts during remarks in the Lok Sabha, there has been no official clarification on how he accessed the material.
Opposition voices contend that the controversy shifts focus from the issues raised in the House, while leaders from the treasury benches have demanded accountability over access to a manuscript awaiting mandatory clearance. Investigators are expected to examine whether the copy originated from leaked digital files, advance editorial proofs, or other unofficial channels as part of the ongoing probe.
Political storm in Parliament
The issue erupted during the post-Budget session when Gandhi referred to material based on excerpts linked to the unpublished memoir while speaking in the Lok Sabha. His remarks — lasting only minutes — triggered sharp objections from treasury benches, with senior ministers strongly protesting references drawn from unauthorised material.
He was prevented by the Chair from quoting further, and the confrontation led to repeated disruptions in the House and disciplinary action against several Members of Parliament during the session. Gandhi later alleged he had been blocked from raising the matter and denied the opportunity to speak about both the book and related reporting.
Police said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation into the alleged unauthorised circulation of the manuscript.
