A blood donation camp was organised at Bara Akhada, one of the oldest temples of Hazaribagh town, on Sunday.

Inaugurated by Hazaribagh police chief Anoop Birtharay, around 46 units of blood were donated by social outfit Hazaribagh Ramnavami Mahasamiti members.

Surgeon Praveen Nath, who was also present on the occasion, urged people to curb the practice of selling blood illegally.

'I want a complete check on the illegal blood business. There are people who purchase blood at a minimal price and sell them at high rates,' said Nath, adding that he would like more and more people to come forward and donate blood.

SP Birtharay said in last two to three months, he had witnessed a large number of people turning up for blood donations. 'From police to government employees, I have come across different people donating blood in the last few months. This shows that our society is heading towards the right direction,' he added.

There are currently two blood banks in Hazaribagh - one run by the Red Cross Society and Anand Rotary Blood Bank, the only private bank in the area.