Delhi Police have registered a case after a pre-publication copy of former Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane’s memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, allegedly surfaced online without mandatory clearances, triggering concerns over national security and publishing protocols.
By PC Bureau
New Delhi, February 9, 2026 — Delhi Police on Monday registered a case over the alleged leak and unauthorised circulation of a pre-publication copy of Four Stars of Destiny, the memoir of former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane, after reports emerged that the book was being shared online without mandatory official clearances.
Police said they took cognisance of information circulating on social media platforms and online forums, which claimed that a pre-print version of the book was available publicly despite not having received clearance from competent authorities.
During preliminary verification, investigators found that a PDF version of a typeset manuscript bearing the same title—apparently prepared by publisher Penguin Random House India Pvt. Ltd.—was accessible on certain websites. In addition, some online retail platforms were found displaying the book’s cover and listing it as if it were available for sale.
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In view of the suspected breach and unauthorised dissemination of unpublished material, the case has been registered with the Delhi Police Special Cell. A detailed investigation is underway to trace the source of the leak, determine the extent of the circulation, and identify those responsible for the violation.
Four Stars of Destiny chronicles nearly four decades of General Naravane’s service in the Indian Army, tracing his journey from a Second Lieutenant to Chief of the Army Staff. The memoir reportedly offers insights into several key episodes of his military career, including the 2020 India-China standoff, regarded as the most serious confrontation between the two countries since the 1962 war.
The controversy surrounding the book spilled into Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session. Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted after Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi read out excerpts from a magazine article said to be based on the unpublished memoir.
Though Gandhi spoke only briefly, his remarks triggered sharp reactions from the BJP leadership. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused him of citing material from an unpublished book, questioning the propriety of referring to content that had not formally entered the public domain.
Days later, Gandhi returned to Parliament holding a copy of Four Stars of Destiny, stating that he intended to “gift it to the Prime Minister,” further intensifying the political controversy surrounding the book and its alleged leak.
