The Gujarat high court has sought explanation from various state and central agencies in connection with the incident where 23 thalassaemic children in Junagadh district were tested HIV positive in the last one year due to transfusion of infected blood.

Acting on a PIL filed by advocate Girish Das demanding investigation into the issue and compensation for the affected, a division bench has asked the additional secretary of National AIDS Control Organisation, Drug Controller of India, director of Gujarat State Council for Blood Transfusion, the state health department and Junagadh police to file their replies within a month.

Das has alleged that the children contracted the deadly virus due to criminal negligence on part of administration and demanded that the culprits be booked. He has sought a thorough investigation and demanded compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each kid tested HIV positive.