Delhi Police Special Cell Files FIR Over General Naravane's Book Leak

The unpublished memoir of former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, titled 'Four Stars of Destiny', has become the subject of a legal investigation even before its official release. The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered a First Information Report (FIR) following reports that pre-print copies and PDF versions of the book were being circulated unauthorizedly across various websites and social media platforms. According to official sources, the investigation was initiated after taking cognizance of the sensitive nature of the content and the lack of mandatory clearances for its public distribution.

Special Cell Investigation and Basis of FIR

The Delhi Police Special Cell took suo motu cognizance of information appearing on social media and news forums claiming that a typeset PDF of the book was available online. Preliminary investigations revealed that the book had not yet received the necessary final clearances from the relevant government authorities and military departments required for publication. The FIR has been lodged to investigate the source of the leak and to identify the individuals or entities responsible for circulating the pre-print version without authorization, while the police are treating the matter with high priority due to the potential national security implications involved in military memoirs.

Unauthorized Online Circulation and Digital Footprint

During the probe, it was observed that several online marketing platforms were displaying the final cover of the book, suggesting it was ready for sale. However, the official publication process had not been completed. The digital forensic team of the Delhi Police is currently tracking the IP addresses and servers where the PDF was first uploaded. The investigation aims to determine whether the leak was a result of a technical breach at the publishing end or a deliberate attempt to bypass regulatory protocols. Authorities are also monitoring websites that continue to host the leaked content despite the ongoing investigation.

Political Context and Parliamentary References

The controversy surrounding General Naravane's book intensified after it was mentioned in Parliament by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. During the debate on the President's address, Gandhi cited excerpts from the book to criticize the government's handling of Chinese incursions along the border. He arrived in the House with a copy of the manuscript, claiming that the details mentioned in the book raised serious questions about national responsibility. This political spotlight has added a layer of complexity to the case, as the book contains accounts of strategic military movements and high-level decision-making processes.

Security and Legal Analysis by Experts

According to defense analysts and legal experts, memoirs written by high-ranking military officials must undergo a rigorous vetting process by the Ministry of Defence to ensure no classified information is compromised. Analysts suggest that the circulation of unvetted manuscripts could potentially violate the Official Secrets Act if sensitive operational details are exposed. The investigation by the Special Cell is expected to focus on whether the leaked portions contain any information that could impact national security or diplomatic relations. Legal experts note that the unauthorized distribution also constitutes a significant breach of intellectual property rights.

The Delhi Police Special Cell is continuing its detailed probe into the matter, with notices expected to be sent to the platforms hosting the unauthorized content. The investigation will cover the entire chain of custody of the manuscript, from the author's office to the publishers and digital distributors. As the case progresses, the authorities aim to establish the full extent of the leak and ensure that no further unauthorized dissemination occurs until the book receives all necessary official approvals for its formal launch.