Delhi Police Sends Notice to Penguin Random House India Over Naravane Memoir Leak Row

The controversy surrounding the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General M M Naravane has intensified after Delhi Police issued a notice to Penguin Random House India, seeking clarification on the alleged circulation of the manuscript. The move comes amid growing political debate over how a copy of the unpublished book surfaced in public discourse.

According to officials, the notice was sent as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Delhi Police Special Cell, which has registered a case under provisions related to criminal conspiracy following claims of an unauthorised leak. Investigators have asked the publisher to respond to specific queries and cooperate with the probe as authorities attempt to trace the origin and distribution of the alleged document.

The issue gained attention after Rahul Gandhi was seen holding what was described as Naravane’s memoir within the Parliament complex, raising questions about how the unpublished material reached him. The development triggered a wave of political reactions and sparked demands for a detailed investigation into whether any pre-publication draft had been leaked.

Officials said that the notice requires representatives from Penguin Random House India to join the investigation and provide information about the manuscript’s status, printing process, and internal handling procedures. Sources indicated that the police are also examining whether any digital versions or pre-print PDFs were circulated without authorisation.

The publisher has issued clarifications in response to the controversy, stating that no official printed copies of the book had been released. The company reiterated that the memoir remains unpublished and emphasised that it is cooperating with authorities to address concerns raised during the investigation.

The episode has sparked broader debate about pre-publication confidentiality, intellectual property protection, and the security of sensitive manuscripts, particularly those involving national security or defence-related subjects. Analysts note that memoirs written by senior military figures often undergo extensive review before release, making any alleged leak a matter of significant concern.

Legal experts say the case could set an important precedent regarding accountability in the publishing ecosystem, especially as digital drafts and advance copies become increasingly common. Questions surrounding the chain of custody, editorial access, and distribution protocols are likely to form a key part of the ongoing inquiry.

As the investigation progresses, political attention remains focused on the circumstances under which the unpublished material surfaced. Authorities are expected to examine technical evidence, including digital footprints and internal communications, to determine whether any breach occurred.

For now, Delhi Police officials have maintained that the inquiry is at an early stage and that no conclusions have been drawn. The notice to Penguin Random House India marks the latest development in a controversy that continues to evolve at the intersection of politics, publishing, and national security.