FIR over circulating ex-Army chief’s unpublished book online
The Delhi Police on Monday registered an FIR over the circulation of an unpublished book by former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane (Retd) on social media platforms, following claims that a pre-print version was being shared without mandatory clearance from competent authorities.
The police took cognisance of information found on various online social media platforms and news forums, which claimed that a pre-print copy of the book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is being circulated. It was also reported that the necessary clearance for the publication of this book was yet to be received from the relevant authorities.
The controversy intensified after the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, cited portions of the unreleased book in Parliament.
“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 authorities,” the statement said. According to the police statement, it was also reported that the necessary clearance for publication of this 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 in order to carry out a thorough 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 flashing a purported copy of the book in the Parliament complex last week. The matter has generated immense heat with the proceedings of the Lok Sabha getting disrupted and eight MPs getting suspended over the issue for the remaining part of the ongoing Budget session. Speaking to reporters outside, Rahul said, “The speaker is saying that this book does not exist, Rajnath ji has said this book does not exist. This is Naravane ji’s book wherein he has written the account of Ladakh...Narendra Modi ji did not fulfil his responsibility.”
He alleged the Prime Minister failed to act during the 2020 India-China military standoff in Ladakh, triggering sharp political reactions.
Rahul on Monday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not come to the Lok Sabha to reply to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, as he was scared of the issue of Naravane’s book.
