Delhi Police registers FIR over circulation of ex-Army chief MM Naravane’s unpublished book

The Delhi Police on Monday registered an FIR over the circulation of an unpublished book by former Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane (Retd) on social media platforms, following claims that a pre-print version was being shared without mandatory clearance from competent authorities.

In an official statement, the police said it had taken cognisance of information circulating online about a pre-print copy of the book titled Four Stars of Destiny being available publicly despite not receiving the required approvals.

“The Delhi Police has taken cognisance of information circulating on social media platforms and online news forums claiming that a pre-print copy of a book titled Four Stars of Destiny is being circulated without mandatory clearance from competent authorities,” the statement said.


According to the police, it was also reported that the necessary clearance for publication of the book is yet to be granted by the relevant authorities.

“Upon verification, it was found that a PDF copy of a type-set book with the same title and apparently prepared by M/s Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd is available on certain websites. Some online marketing platforms have also displayed the finished book cover as if it is available for purchase,” the statement added.

The case has been registered with the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, which will carry out a detailed investigation into the alleged leak or breach involving a yet-to-be-approved publication. An investigation is currently underway, the police said.


The development comes amid a political row triggered by comments from Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who has repeatedly raised the issue of Naravane’s book during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.

Speaking to reporters, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the Lok Sabha debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address because he was “scared” of the issue surrounding the former Army chief’s memoir.

“The Prime Minister was scared to come to the House not because of the members but because of what I was saying. He is still scared because he cannot face the truth,” Gandhi said.

The Congress leader said the controversy began when he attempted to raise issues linked to Naravane’s book in Parliament, alleging that the government repeatedly stalled proceedings to prevent discussion.

“They did not let me speak three or four times. First, they said I cannot quote a book. Then I said I am not quoting a book, I am quoting a magazine. Then they said you cannot quote a magazine,” Gandhi said.

He further accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of making a “false claim” that the book was unpublished. “The book has been published and we have got a copy of it,” Gandhi said, adding that it was available abroad but not permitted to be published in India.

(With inputs from agencies)