Was Naravane’s unpublished book leaked as part of a conspiracy, what did Delhi Police tell?

Updated: 12-02-2026, 04.35 AM

What is the news?

Controversy is increasing regarding former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’. The book’s publisher, Penguin Random House India, said the book has not yet been published and no part of it has been made public. At the same time, investigation by Delhi Police has revealed that this book has reached the international market even before its publication as part of a conspiracy.

Book being sold in 4 countries without approval

Delhi Police’s initial investigation has indicated that this was not just a case of data theft, but a well-planned and coordinated operation to bypass the clearance process of the Defense Ministry. The Special Cell of Delhi Police has registered an FIR in this case under criminal conspiracy. Even before the official approval, the book became available for online sale in countries like America, Canada, Germany and Australia.

Where was the book uploaded first?

India Today According to , investigation has revealed that the leaked version of Naravane’s book was not only circulated internationally, but was also first made available online in foreign markets. Sources said that for the first time the book was uploaded on a website with ‘.io’ domain extension. This domain was originally allocated to the British Indian Ocean Territory and is widely used by tech platforms and startups.

What other revelations have been made in the investigation?

Investigation has revealed that the leaked book also has an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) number. The ISBN number is required for commercial publishing and distribution. Officials say the presence of the ISBN shows that the leaked version was not a rough manuscript or draft, but a copy ready for publication. Publisher Penguin India is being questioned regarding the ISBN registration and distribution process.

organized crime

Police investigating organized crime

India Today The book’s upload sequence, international listings and ISBN information point to an organized breach, not isolated digital theft, the company said, quoting police sources. “It is being investigated who helped in the global dissemination of the book before official approval and whether there was any coordinated effort to get it into foreign markets,” a source said.

What is the controversy regarding the book?

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had shown the physical copy of General Naravane’s book to journalists in the Parliament complex. While it was being claimed that the book is still unpublished and not available in the market. Rahul had made many claims about the government and the Prime Minister in the Parliament quoting the book, on which there was a lot of uproar in the Parliament too. The police have also issued a notice to the publisher Penguin India in the matter.