NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s preliminary investigation into the alleged leak of a pre-print copy of ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, the unpublished memoir of former Army chief Gen MM Naravane (retd), suggests it was not the handiwork of a suspected whistleblower but a coordinated effort to bypass clearance by the ministry of defence, an official said on Wednesday.Expanding the ambit of the probe, the special cell has since added the charge of “hatching a criminal conspiracy” to the FIR and issued notice to publisher Penguin Random House India, asking the firm to answer a set of questions.The probe is focused on the alleged sale or distribution of the pre-print copy in countries like the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. “The first leaks were allegedly uploaded to .io domain extensions of British Indian Ocean Territory. Thereafter, they found their way into several other hosting platforms,” an investigator said.Police are analysing the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), a 13-digit identifier visible on the leaked versions, and intend to quiz the publishers about it.”The publishers will also be questioned on why their statement on X came only after the registration of the FIR, and why they didn’t approach the police immediately after the leak was known,” the official said.Police said a PDF of the book, allegedly created by Penguin Random House India, was available on certain websites and some online marketing platforms displayed the finished book cover as if it was available for order. Penguin Random House India clarified it held sole publishing rights to the book and was yet to release it in any form.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘GST After Death?’ Sitharaman Takes Dig at TMC During Budget ReplyRespect One, Call Another Traitor? Sitharaman Exposes Rahul’s Double StandardsBaloch Leader Akhtar Mengal Stuns Pakistan, Says Balochistan’s ‘Separation Is The Only Option Now”Modi Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Blasts Centre Over India-US Trade Deal, Govt hits back’India A Priority, No Second Class Citizen’: Jamaat Chief’s Big Statement Before Key Bangladesh VoteBangladesh Elections 2026: Key Players and Why India, China & Pakistan Are WatchingEntertainment Value Or Evidence? Hardeep Puri Blasts Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Buffoonery’ On Epstein FilesMuhammad Yunus Assures Smooth Handover Ahead Of Bangladesh’s First Elections After Hasina Exit”If You Had Taken My Advice” Jagdambika Pal Responds To Rahul Gandhi’s Ex-Congress Jab“Will Move Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi”: BJP Slams Rahul Over ‘Baseless Allegations’123PhotostoriesFrom Ranveer Singh to Randeep Hooda: Bollywood stars who were gifted handwritten letters by Amitabh Bachchan6 Vastu-recommended paintings you should have in your home to attract wealth and prosperityExclusive – Kanika Mann on bagging Naagin 7, playing a negative role and comparisons with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary; says ‘I am open to it’18 must-try coffee drinks from around the world5 real estate hotspots in Surat, Gujarat driving property demand5 fire safety measures every residential building must have5 heartfelt romance dramas on Peacock that are a must-watch ahead of Valentine’s DayKerala Assembly polls 2026: PM Modi kick starts BJP’s campaign with launch of several development projects260 million Indians consume tobacco, 14–16% drink alcohol: The preventable crisis behind over 1.3 million deaths in the country6 successful conservation stories from India, and why they are such great news123Hot PicksMumbai Mayor SelectionGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionBharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAll American ShowTravis KelceJuraj SlafkovskyLeBron JamesElvis MerzlikinsMilano CortinaKayla NicoleJulia SimonClash Royale ControversyPuka Nacua
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s preliminary investigation into the alleged leak of a pre-print copy of ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, the unpublished memoir of former Army chief Gen MM Naravane (retd), suggests it was not the handiwork of a suspected whistleblower but a coordinated effort to bypass clearance by the ministry of defence, an official said on Wednesday.Expanding the ambit of the probe, the special cell has since added the charge of “hatching a criminal conspiracy” to the FIR and issued notice to publisher Penguin Random House India, asking the firm to answer a set of questions.The probe is focused on the alleged sale or distribution of the pre-print copy in countries like the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. “The first leaks were allegedly uploaded to .io domain extensions of British Indian Ocean Territory. Thereafter, they found their way into several other hosting platforms,” an investigator said.Police are analysing the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), a 13-digit identifier visible on the leaked versions, and intend to quiz the publishers about it.“The publishers will also be questioned on why their statement on X came only after the registration of the FIR, and why they didn’t approach the police immediately after the leak was known,” the official said.Police said a PDF of the book, allegedly created by Penguin Random House India, was available on certain websites and some online marketing platforms displayed the finished book cover as if it was available for order. Penguin Random House India clarified it held sole publishing rights to the book and was yet to release it in any form.
