Row Deepens Over Alleged Leak of Former Army Chief’s Memoir; Probe Expands Internationally

The controversy surrounding the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General (Retd.) M.M. Naravane has intensified, with sources indicating that the book may have been released without mandatory clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Investigators are examining claims that copies first appeared on online platforms in Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United States before surfacing elsewhere.

According to sources familiar with the preliminary investigation, the registration of a criminal case has pointed to what officials describe as a “well-planned conspiracy.” It is alleged that the manuscript was leaked in a coordinated manner, circumventing the MoD’s established clearance process required for publications by serving or retired defence personnel.

Investigators have reportedly traced early online listings and circulation to overseas platforms, raising questions about the publishing and distribution chain. Sales are believed to have commenced in select international markets before any formal release in India, prompting scrutiny of the digital trail and cross-border dissemination mechanisms.

Delhi Police’s Special Cell has registered an FIR under provisions related to criminal conspiracy. The scope of the inquiry has now expanded beyond India, with authorities examining potential links and coordination in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Agencies are conducting a detailed probe into the publishing network, digital circulation patterns, and any possible international collaboration in the alleged leak.

Amid mounting controversy, Penguin Random House India — which holds the publishing rights to Four Stars of Destiny — has issued a formal clarification stating that the book has not been published in any format. The publisher emphasised that an announced title, a pre-order listing, and an officially published book represent distinct stages in the publishing process. According to the company, a title is considered published only when it is formally released and made available for retail sale.

The publishing house further asserted that no print or digital copies have been officially issued and cautioned that any material currently circulating would constitute copyright infringement.

The matter escalated politically after the issue was raised in Parliament. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to the alleged contents of the memoir and displayed what he claimed was a copy of the book during proceedings in the Lok Sabha. His remarks triggered sharp protests from members of the treasury benches, with BJP leaders questioning how an unpublished manuscript was accessed and cited in the House.

The episode led to heated exchanges, walkouts, and demands for clarification, placing the status of the manuscript, its publication process, and the alleged leak at the centre of national political debate.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining the authenticity of the circulating material, the chain of dissemination, and whether due procedural clearances were bypassed.