NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s special cell questioned some members of the publishing team at Penguin Random House India on Thursday in connection with the alleged leak of former Army chief General (retd) MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir.The interrogation, which came a day after investigators issued notice to the publishing firm, lasted two hours. There could be another round of questioning based on the findings of the first session, sources said.Police have sought the original manuscript of the book, ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, from Penguin Random House India to compare it with the versions that surfaced online. The publishers have been handed a set of 15 to 20 questions to answer, including on the steps they took after learning of the alleged leak.“A team led by a DCP-rank officer asked the publishers about their standard operating procedure while handling a book and the details of people who had access to the manuscript of this particular book written by the former Army chief. We also asked the publishers why they did not lodge a complaint immediately after the so-called leak came to their notice,” a person in the know said.Penguin Random House India has said the firm holds sole publishing rights to the book and hasn’t released it in any form. 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. Police suspect the leak was a coordinated effort to bypass the defence ministry’s clearance. The special cell has added the charge of “hatching a criminal conspiracy” to the FIR. Police are also analysing the International Standard Book Number (ISBN).About the AuthorRaj Shekhar JhaRaj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime and prisons.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh PM Hasina Calls Elections Rigged, Urges Credible Fresh Polls, Attacks Yunus‘Modi Under Trump’s Grip’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At Nishikant Dubey’s Motion‘Privilege Motion’ A Code Word? Rahul Gandhi Takes Dig At Media; BJP Hits BackIndus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan’s ‘Dewatering’ Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses ClaimDonald Trump’s Old ‘Destroy Modi’s Career’ Comment Sparks Row As India Responds With Firm MessageLamborghini Brat Walks Free Within Hours Of Arrest; BJP MP Demands Rahul’s Disqualification From LSBrazil President To Visit India With 260 Firms To Boost Trade, Push Global Governance Reform AgendaFamily of Indian Student Killed by US Officer Secures Rs 260 Crore Settlement‘Amit Shah Called Me, Then Came the Raid’: Bhupesh Baghel’s Big ChargeIndia Approves Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Fighter Jet Deal As Air Force Seeks Squadron Expansion Plan123PhotostoriesParineeti Chopra says her comeback ‘better be in a saree’—and she definitely delivered8 baby names inspired by Bollywood’s most loved charactersFrom ‘Aashiqui 2’ to ‘Mohabbatein’: Romantic Bollywood films to watch on OTT this Valentine’s DayFrom ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ to ‘Bandwaale’: 9 new movies and shows to watch this week on OTTHow to make classic Paneer Paratha for breakfastThe silk route: Why these 5 Indian weaves belong in every modern wardrobe8 unique dishes made with bottle gourd (lauki) for kids tiffinThese are the world’s narrowest residential buildings: Thin but iconic5 legendary species of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and why tourists keep coming backTop 5 abandoned-ghost malls in Delhi NCR which were once shopping haven123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Bharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMyles GarrettErika KirkBad BunnyCatherine Polli Net WorthSeahawks Super Bowl paradeKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChloe KimCardi BMax Muncy
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s special cell questioned some members of the publishing team at Penguin Random House India on Thursday in connection with the alleged leak of former Army chief General (retd) MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir.The interrogation, which came a day after investigators issued notice to the publishing firm, lasted two hours. There could be another round of questioning based on the findings of the first session, sources said.Police have sought the original manuscript of the book, ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, from Penguin Random House India to compare it with the versions that surfaced online. The publishers have been handed a set of 15 to 20 questions to answer, including on the steps they took after learning of the alleged leak.“A team led by a DCP-rank officer asked the publishers about their standard operating procedure while handling a book and the details of people who had access to the manuscript of this particular book written by the former Army chief. We also asked the publishers why they did not lodge a complaint immediately after the so-called leak came to their notice,” a person in the know said.Penguin Random House India has said the firm holds sole publishing rights to the book and hasn’t released it in any form. 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. Police suspect the leak was a coordinated effort to bypass the defence ministry’s clearance. The special cell has added the charge of “hatching a criminal conspiracy” to the FIR. Police are also analysing the International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
