Delhi Police registers FIR after pre-print copy of former Army Chief’s book circulates all over internet

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR over the circulation of an unpublished book written by former Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane on social media, an official statement said on Monday.

“The Delhi Police has taken cognisance of information circulating on social media platforms and online news forums claiming that a pre-print copy of a book titled ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is being circulated without mandatory clearance from competent authorities,” the statement said.

According to the police statement, it was also reported that the necessary clearance for the publication of the book is yet to be received from the relevant authorities.

“Upon verification, it was found that a PDF copy of a type-set book with the same title and apparently prepared by M/s Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd is available on certain websites and, also, some online marketing platforms have displayed the finished book cover as if it is available for purchase,” it read.

The police said a case has been registered with the Special Cell to carry out a proper investigation into this purported leak or breach of a yet-to-be-approved publication, and an investigation is being taken up.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen showing a purported copy of the book in the Parliament complex last week. The issue led to chaos in the Lok Sabha, and eight MPs were suspended for the remaining part of the ongoing Budget session.

(With inputs from PTI)