Delhi Police Probes Alleged Leak of Former Army Chief's Unpublished Memoir
In a significant development, Delhi Police's Special Cell has formally served a notice to Penguin Random House India Pvt Limited concerning the alleged unauthorized distribution of a pre-print copy of the book titled "Four Stars of Destiny." This action follows the police taking cognisance of information circulating on social media platforms, which claimed that the manuscript was being shared without obtaining necessary clearances from the relevant authorities.
Investigation Uncovers Online Availability of PDF Copy
Upon conducting thorough verification, investigators discovered that a PDF version of the book was accessible on certain websites. Additionally, some online marketing platforms were found displaying the book's cover image, misleadingly presenting it as available for purchase. This prompted Delhi Police's Special Cell to register a First Information Report (FIR) earlier, specifically addressing the alleged leak of former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir, "Four Stars of Destiny."
According to official police statements, the PDF copy in question appears to have been prepared by Penguin Random House India. The publisher, however, has issued a clarification asserting that it holds exclusive publishing rights for the book and has not released it in any format to the public.
Publisher's Statement and Political Fallout
In a post on the social media platform X, Penguin Random House India explicitly stated, "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." This controversy has escalated into a political dispute within Parliament, where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referenced excerpts from the book, alleging that the government is obstructing discussions on its contents.
The police are currently investigating the origins of the leak and examining potential cases of copyright infringement. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about intellectual property rights and the security of unpublished materials in the digital age.
Background on the Author
The author of the memoir, General MM Naravane, served as the Chief of the Army Staff, and his unpublished work has garnered significant attention. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify those responsible for the unauthorized dissemination.
