Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report in connection with the alleged leak of former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ without mandatory approval from the Ministry of Defence. A preliminary investigation by the Special Cell has found that the circulation was planned and spread at an international level.
FIR Registered Under Criminal Conspiracy Provisions
The controversy relates to the leak of General MM Naravane’s autobiography ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, based on his military career and personal experiences. According to sources, the book was not leaked accidentally but was circulated through a coordinated effort that bypassed mandatory clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
Delhi Police have registered the FIR under sections related to criminal conspiracy, treating the matter as a serious offence. The Special Cell has constituted a dedicated team to investigate the case.
International Circulation of the Book
The preliminary inquiry has revealed that circulation of the autobiography was not confined to India. Copies of the book reached countries including Canada, Australia, Germany and the United States of America. In these countries, the book was reportedly sold online first, and its digital distribution further complicated the matter.
Investigators are analysing digital transactions and online activities in the United States, Canada, Germany and Australia to determine how unauthorised copies were distributed internationally.
Bypassing Ministry of Defence Clearance
According to officials, the book became available on digital platforms before receiving mandatory approval from the Ministry of Defence. Investigators are examining how unpublished copies reached international markets and how a copy of the book reached Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Sources have stated that the incident is being examined not as an isolated leak but as a coordinated campaign in which official approval procedures were bypassed.
International-Level Probe Underway
Delhi Police have expanded the investigation to the international level in view of the seriousness of the case. Authorities are examining when and how the book was made available on foreign platforms. Preliminary findings indicate that the plan was prepared in advance and that the book was launched in global digital markets through unauthorised means.
Officials have stated that the case involves not only the leak of a book but also the bypassing of national security-related protocols. The investigation aims to identify all individuals involved in the planned leak and determine accountability.
