Delhi Police Investigate Unpublished Memoir of Ex-Army Chief

Delhi Police have initiated an inquiry into the distribution of an unofficial PDF version of the unpublished autobiography of former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. The book, entitled 'Four Stars of Destiny', has become a focal point of political tension, particularly between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. A police spokesperson stated that authorities took note of various online reports claiming the pre-print copy of the book was being circulated on social media platforms and news sites. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a typeset PDF version, attributed to M/s Penguin Random House India Pvt. Limited, was accessible on certain websites.

Additionally, some online retail platforms displayed the book cover as though it was available for purchase. Given the absence of necessary governmental clearance for publication, Delhi Police have filed a case with the Special Cell to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged breach concerning the book's unpublished status. The legal implications and specific sections of law applicable to this case remain unclear. This investigation comes on the heels of a recent incident where Rahul Gandhi presented a physical copy of the memoir in Parliament. He has publicly accused the Modi administration of mishandling border issues with China, asserting that he desired to reference segments from Naravane's memoir during a parliamentary session. However, he faced opposition regarding his proposal due to the book's unpublished status.

Despite Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserting that the book has not been published, Gandhi used the opportunity to underscore his claim, stating, 'See, it exists — the book the government says does not.' The memoir, which has been pending approval from the Ministry of Defence, has stirred considerable debate, particularly relating to its content concerning India's border disputes with China. Gandhi alleges that Naravane’s accounts reveal a lack of communication from top government officials during critical moments, suggesting that the former army chief felt isolated within the military establishment. Critics, including members of the BJP, argue that referencing an unpublished document in Parliament violates procedural rules and could pose a risk to national security.

The ongoing controversy has significantly impacted parliamentary proceedings, with repeated interruptions and demands for clarity regarding the book. In conclusion, while General Naravane's memoir is said to be scheduled for publication in April 2024, its current status and the implications of its unofficial circulation continue to be the subject of scrutiny and political discourse.