Delhi Police Probe Alleged Leak Of General MM Naravane Memoir Before Govt Clearance, Global Links Under Scanner

The controversy surrounding former Army chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir has intensified after the Delhi Police Special Cell launched an international investigation into its alleged leak and circulation without mandatory government clearance. Authorities believe the incident may involve a coordinated operation rather than a simple case of digital piracy, as the material reportedly surfaced in global markets before official approval.

An FIR has been registered by Delhi Police under charges related to criminal conspiracy, following questions about how excerpts from the unreleased book reached Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The issue gained national attention after references to the memoir were made during parliamentary proceedings, sparking a political storm and raising concerns over the handling of sensitive defence-related content.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the memoir, titled “Four Stars of Destiny,” was uploaded on multiple international platforms and mirrored across several websites. Officials are examining digital trails in countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia, where the book allegedly appeared online despite lacking clearance from the Defence Ministry. Sources indicate that the initial upload was traced to a website using a “.io” domain, a popular extension often associated with technology platforms.

One of the major areas of scrutiny is the presence of an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) within the leaked version. Investigators believe that the existence of a valid ISBN suggests the file may have been a near-final or publication-ready edition rather than an early draft. The ISBN trail has reportedly linked the material to the edition prepared by Penguin India, prompting authorities to question the publishing process and distribution channels.

Officials familiar with the investigation said the coordinated nature of uploads, international listings, and structured publishing identifiers indicates a possible organised breach. Law enforcement agencies are analysing financial transactions and digital footprints to identify individuals or groups who may have facilitated the global circulation of the content prior to approval.

The publisher has maintained that the memoir was never officially released and that no authorised copies were made available for sale. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry has yet to issue a public statement on the ongoing probe, adding to speculation surrounding the circumstances of the leak.

Legal experts note that publications related to defence matters often require stringent clearance procedures before entering the public domain. Any bypassing of these protocols could raise serious national security and legal implications. The incident has also reignited debates over the intersection of politics, publishing, and sensitive military narratives.

As the investigation expands internationally, authorities are expected to collaborate with foreign agencies to trace the origin and distribution network behind the leaked material. The outcome of the probe may set an important precedent for how unpublished defence-related works are protected and regulated in the digital era.