Case Filed Over Alleged Online Leak of Former Army Chief’s Book Ahead of Official Clearance
New Delhi. The Delhi Police has registered a criminal case after taking cognisance of information circulating on social media platforms and online news forums about the alleged unauthorised circulation of a pre-print copy of a book authored by former Army Chief M M Naravane.
The book, titled Four Stars of Destiny, is yet to receive mandatory statutory and official clearances required before publication.
However, posts and reports on digital platforms claimed that a pre-print version of the book had already surfaced online, triggering concerns over a possible leak and violation of established publication protocols.
What Triggered the Probe
According to the police, an initial verification exercise revealed that a typeset PDF bearing the same title was available on certain websites.
The document appeared to have been prepared by Penguin Random House India Pvt Limited, which is associated with the book’s publication.
Investigators also found that some online marketing and e-commerce platforms were displaying the finished cover of the book, creating the impression that it was ready for sale or already available to the public.
“During verification, a PDF copy of a typeset book with the same title was found on select websites.
In addition, certain online platforms were found to be displaying the final book cover, suggesting that the book was being commercially promoted,” the Delhi Police said in a statement.
Case Registered, Special Cell Takes Over
Based on these findings, the police registered a case and handed over the investigation to its Special Cell.
Officials said the probe will focus on identifying the source of the PDF, examining how and when it was uploaded or circulated, and determining whether any laws governing publication, copyright, or official clearances were breached.
Investigators will also look into whether the alleged circulation amounts to a breach of confidentiality or procedural safeguards, particularly those applicable to books authored by former senior military officials, which typically require prior vetting and clearance before publication.
Background: Why Clearances Matter
Publications by former top military officials often undergo a formal clearance process to ensure that sensitive information related to national security, defence policy, or operational matters is not disclosed.
Any unauthorised release—especially in digital form—can raise serious legal and procedural concerns, including potential violations of copyright law and government regulations governing official publications.
Officials said the investigation is still at a preliminary stage and no conclusions have been drawn so far. Further action will depend on the outcome of the Special Cell’s inquiry.
#DelhiPolice #MMNaravane #FourStarsOfDestiny #BookLeak #SpecialCellProbe #PublishingClearance #CopyrightLaw #IndiaNews
