'Conspiracy, Clearance Bypassed’: FIR In Ex-Army Chief’s Book Leak Puts Focus On Overseas Sales

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 09:26 IST

The former Army chief’s book was allegedly released without Ministry of Defence clearance, sold in Canada, Australia, Germany and the US.

The controversy surrounding the former Army Chief’s book has deepened, with sources indicating that the publication was allegedly released without mandatory clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and first sold on online platforms in Canada, Australia, Germany and the United States.

According to sources, the initial investigation following the registration of a case points to a “well-planned conspiracy". It is learnt that the book was leaked in a coordinated manner, bypassing the MoD’s mandatory clearance process for publications involving serving or former defence personnel.

Also Read: ‘This Is The Status’: Gen Naravane Shares Publisher’s Posts In First Response To Memoir Row

Investigators have found that copies of the book began circulating on online platforms in Canada, Australia, Germany and the US before surfacing elsewhere. Sales are said to have started in these countries first, raising questions about the publishing and distribution chain.

The Special Cell has registered an FIR under sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy. The scope of the probe has now been expanded internationally, covering the US, Canada, Germany and Australia.

A thorough investigation into the digital trail, publishing network and possible international links is currently underway. Sources said the probe is intensifying, with agencies examining overseas connections and coordination in the alleged leak and distribution of the book.

Also Read: ‘No Copies Published’: Penguin India On Row Over Circulation Of Ex-Army Chief’s Pre-Print Book

Amid the row, Penguin Random House India, which holds the publishing rights to Four Stars of Destiny, issued a clarification stating that the book has not been published in any format.

The publisher said that an announced title, a pre-order listing and a published book are distinct stages, and that a book is considered published only when it is available for purchase across retail channels.

Also Read: Penguin Random House India Receives Delhi Police Notice Over Leak Of General Naravane’s Memoir

It further stated that no copies — in print or digital form — have been officially released, and warned that any material currently in circulation would amount to copyright infringement.

The entire row over the book erupted in Parliament when Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to alleged contents of General (Retd.) MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir and displayed what he claimed was a copy of the book in the Lok Sabha.

His remarks triggered strong objections from treasury benches, with BJP leaders questioning how an unpublished manuscript was accessed and cited in the House. The episode led to heated exchanges, walkouts and demands for clarification, bringing the status of the book’s publication and its alleged leak into sharp political focus.

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