Swapna Das and her husband Biswanath, a soccer coach at a local club, have been married for five years. They decided to end their lives after they could not meet the treatment costs of Das’ illness diagnosed since January.

“We need Rs 6,000 for a dialysis and another Rs 3.5 lakh for a replacement,” Das said. Her husband said they were currently dependent on neighbours’ help for Das’ survival.

“We wrote to everyone including the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister but no one came to our rescue,” Biswanath said.

“It was then that Swapna first spoke of euthanasia. But I won’t let her do it all alone and have decided to accompany her on her last journey.”

DM Pravat Mishra said he was yet to receive the letter but was aware it had been written and was expecting it.