The Jharkhand High Court has strongly criticized the alleged transfusion of HIV-infected blood to minor children at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital’s blood bank, calling it a grave issue. The court has requested a detailed status report from the state government regarding the incident. During the hearing, the court, led by Justice Rongan Mukhopadhyay, expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s response, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in such a serious matter.
The court highlighted the necessity of holding those responsible for the lapse accountable and ensuring they face legal consequences. A petition filed by Deepika Hembram and others demanded the registration of an FIR and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident. The court was informed that FIR No. 18/2026 was filed on February 6 this year, but the state government’s lack of clarity on the investigation’s progress drew sharp criticism from the court.
Noting the severe impact of HIV-infected blood transfusions on young children, the court emphasized the gravity of the situation. It criticized the state government for providing an affidavit that lacked substantial details on the investigation’s progress or actions taken. In response to the serious lapse, the High Court instructed the state government to submit a supplementary affidavit outlining the investigation’s entire course and the steps taken so far.
The case came to light in 2025 when five minor thalassemia patients at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital were reportedly given HIV-contaminated blood during transfusions. The families of the victims approached the High Court seeking justice. The court has scheduled further hearings on the matter for April 21.
