Controversial book yet to be published, clarify publisher and author

NEW DELHI: Penguin, the publisher of former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s book 'Four Stars of Destiny,' has said that the book has not been released. Naravane has also confirmed this. Delhi Police have registered a case alleging a conspiracy.

The book, which reportedly discusses the Chinese Army’s incursions into Indian territory, has become controversial. As it contains strategic and sensitive information, the Defence Ministry had held back its publication. However, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, displayed a copy of the book in Parliament and questioned the government. The book was also widely circulated on social media.

Penguin issued a statement rejecting claims by Congress leaders that the copy shown in Parliament was purchased from the online platform Amazon. The publisher said it holds exclusive publishing rights to the book and has not printed, released, distributed, sold or made it available to the public in either print or digital form. It added that using the book in full or in part in any form would amount to copyright violation.

Penguin also dismissed the Congress claim that the book was available for pre-order on Amazon. The publisher clarified that an unpublished book cannot be available for pre-order. A book is considered published only after it is officially released and made available for retail sale.

• The Special Cell of Delhi Police is investigating how information related to national security from an unpublished book was leaked.
• When Rahul Gandhi attempted to refer to the contents of the book in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh intervened and prevented him, saying the book had not been officially released.
• Rahul Gandhi said that in 2023, General Naravane had posted on X asking people to read the book that was available on Amazon.