Delhi Police Seeks Answers from Penguin Over Naravane’s Memoir Row

February 11, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell has issued a notice to Penguin Random House India (PRHI), seeking clarification over the alleged circulation of unauthorised versions of former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s memoir, ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, an official said on Wednesday.

The move follows reports that the manuscript may have been shared in digital and other formats before its official release. Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered over allegations of unauthorised dissemination, and the matter is currently under investigation.

Police Issue Notice, Seek Clarifications

According to a senior police officer, the Special Cell has formally approached the publishing house with several queries.

“Delhi Police Special Cell has issued a notice to Penguin India. Through the notice, multiple questions have been asked and responses have been sought,” the officer said.

The investigation began after claims surfaced that versions of the manuscript were being circulated without authorisation.

Rahul Gandhi Questions Publisher’s Stand

The controversy escalated after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to a December 2023 social media post by Gen Naravane stating that the book was “available now.”

Addressing reporters in Parliament, Rahul read out the post which said, “Hello friends. My book is available now. Just follow the link. Happy reading. Jai Hind.”

He questioned the publisher’s claim that the book has not yet been published, saying either Gen Naravane or Penguin must be incorrect. Rahul also alleged that certain contents of the book were “inconvenient” for the government.

He was earlier seen displaying a copy of the book in the Parliament complex and attempted to quote from it in the Lok Sabha but was stopped as the book has not been officially published.

Penguin Explains Publishing Process

In response, Penguin Random House India clarified that announcing a book or listing it for pre-order does not mean it has been published.

In a statement explaining its publishing process, the company said an announced book indicates future publication plans, while a pre-order listing allows advance bookings. A book is considered published only when it becomes available for retail purchase.

The publisher maintained that it holds exclusive publishing rights to ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ and that no print or digital copies have been officially released. It warned that any version currently circulating would amount to copyright infringement.