Doctors send letter to Chief Minister, Mayor, and Chief Secretary urging renaming of Dorina crossing to ‘Abhaya crossing’

The West Bengal Doctors' Forum has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mayor Firhad Hakim, and Chief Secretary Harikrishna Dwivedi, formally requesting the renaming of Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala to ‘Abhaya Crossing.’ This appeal comes in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a young female doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital. The doctors’ petition seeks to honor the victim’s memory and raise awareness about the safety of healthcare workers, particularly women, in Kolkata.

Dorina Crossing has become a symbol of public protests and movements following the incident. The crossing, which is a key junction in the city, has witnessed numerous rallies and demonstrations, particularly in response to the horrific crime. The doctors argue that renaming the crossing to ‘Abhaya Crossing’ would serve as a tribute to the victim and underscore the collective resolve to combat gender-based violence in Kolkata.

The West Bengal Doctors’ Forum has also engaged with mapping services, requesting the removal of the name ‘Dorina Crossing’ from mapping platforms and its replacement with ‘Abhaya Crossing.’ Following this request, Google Maps and other mapping services have updated the location to reflect the new name. The forum’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that the victim’s legacy is preserved and that the renamed location serves as a permanent reminder of the importance of women’s safety and the need for systemic change.

Additionally, a symbolic protest has been organized at Dharna Mancha in Dharmatala, which has received permission from the Calcutta High Court. The protest, which began on December 20, is scheduled to run until December 26. Healthcare workers participating in the protest are calling for improved safety measures for doctors and healthcare professionals, particularly women, in response to the attack. The protest highlights concerns about the vulnerability of healthcare workers in hospitals and the need for enhanced protection against such violent acts.

The name ‘Dorina Crossing’ was derived from a nearby textile shop, ‘Ma Dorina,’ which had a prominent neon sign visible from a distance. This historical reference to the shop has been overshadowed by the tragic events at R.G. Kar Hospital, leading the doctors to advocate for a change. By renaming the crossing to ‘Abhaya Crossing,’ the petitioners aim to create a lasting symbol of resilience and solidarity, emphasizing Kolkata’s stance against violence and the need for greater protection for women, particularly in vulnerable sectors like healthcare.