New Delhi: The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has issued a formal notice to Penguin Random House India in connection with the alleged circulation of an unpublished manuscript by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The development follows claims that portions of Naravane’s upcoming memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, surfaced on social media and other platforms before its official release. Authorities are now examining how the material may have entered the public domain.
According to a senior police officer, the publishing house has been asked to respond to a series of questions related to the status of the manuscript and its distribution safeguards. “A notice has been served to Penguin India seeking detailed clarification on specific aspects of the matter,” the officer said, adding that the responses will assist investigators in determining the sequence of events.
The controversy has gained momentum amid conflicting accounts regarding whether any authorised copies were in circulation. The issue has also triggered a broader public debate, drawing attention from political leaders and other stakeholders.
Police sources indicated that allegations of unauthorised dissemination prompted the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). The inquiry is focused on identifying the source of the leak, if established, and assessing whether any legal provisions were violated.
Neither the publisher nor representatives of General Naravane have publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding the alleged leak. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials stating that further action will depend on the findings and the responses received from the publishing house.
