New Delhi

Delhi Police on Sunday said it has taken note of reports circulating on social media and online forums suggesting that a pre-print version of the book Four Stars of Destiny is in circulation. Acting on these claims, the Special Cell has registered a case to probe what officials have described as a possible leak or breach involving a publication that is yet to receive formal clearance.

Police sources stated that the matter came to light after online posts alleged the availability of the book in digital form. An inquiry has since been initiated to verify the authenticity of these claims.

Four Stars of Destiny has been written by former Chief of the Army Staff, General (Retd) N.N. Naravane.

According to a senior Delhi Police official, information surfaced on multiple digital platforms indicating that an advance copy of the book was being shared, despite reports that mandatory approvals for its publication were still pending.

During preliminary checks, investigators found that a PDF version of a typeset manuscript bearing the same title — reportedly prepared by Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd — was accessible on certain websites. In addition, some online retail platforms were found to be displaying the book’s cover, suggesting that it was available for sale.

To conduct a detailed probe into the alleged unauthorised circulation of the unpublished material, the Special Cell has formally registered a case and commenced investigation, the official said.

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The issue has also triggered a political controversy after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to the alleged pre-print during his address in the Lok Sabha while speaking on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address. His remarks were strongly contested by members of the treasury benches, leading to repeated disruptions. The House later adopted the motion by voice vote amid sloganeering from the opposition.