Delhi Police Interrogates Penguin Random House India Over Alleged Leak of Former Army Chief's Memoir
In a significant development, the special cell of Delhi Police conducted a rigorous interrogation of several members from the publishing team at Penguin Random House India on Thursday. This action is directly linked to the alleged unauthorized leak of the unpublished memoir authored by former Army chief General (retd) MM Naravane. The questioning session, which extended for approximately two hours, followed a formal notice issued to the publishing firm just a day earlier, indicating the seriousness of the investigation.
Details of the Interrogation and Police Inquiries
Authorities have formally requested the original manuscript of the book, titled 'Four Stars of Destiny', from Penguin Random House India. The primary objective is to conduct a meticulous comparison with the versions that have inexplicably surfaced online, potentially compromising sensitive content. During the interrogation, a team led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer posed a series of 15 to 20 detailed questions to the publishers. These inquiries focused on critical aspects such as the standard operating procedures for handling confidential manuscripts and the specific individuals who had access to General Naravane's work.
A person familiar with the investigation revealed, "We pressed the publishers on why they failed to lodge an immediate complaint upon discovering the alleged leak. Understanding their security protocols and identifying potential breaches is crucial to this probe." Sources indicate that based on the findings from this initial session, there may be subsequent rounds of questioning to further unravel the circumstances surrounding the leak.
Publisher's Stance and Broader Investigation Scope
Penguin Random House India has publicly asserted that the firm holds exclusive publishing rights to the memoir and has not released it in any format, emphasizing their commitment to contractual obligations. However, the police investigation is broadening its focus to include the alleged sale or distribution of pre-print copies in international markets, notably the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This suggests a coordinated effort that may have aimed to circumvent the mandatory clearance from the defence ministry, raising alarms about national security implications.
In response to these developments, the special cell has escalated the legal framework by adding a charge of "hatching a criminal conspiracy" to the existing First Information Report (FIR). Additionally, forensic analysis is underway, with police meticulously examining the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) associated with the leaked versions to trace their origins and distribution channels. This multi-faceted approach underscores the complexity of the case and the authorities' determination to hold accountable those responsible for the breach.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the security of sensitive publications in the digital age, particularly those involving high-profile figures from the military. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders await further updates that could shed light on the mechanisms behind the leak and the measures needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
