In a twist that seems ripped from a dark comedy script, Vikram Beri, a 42-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur and founder of an online mental health platform, was arrested on December 8, 2025, after a chaotic episode at a California winery. What began as an alleged attempt to start a fire escalated into throwing a wine bottle at staff, intentionally crashing his Tesla into parked vehicles, and barricading himself inside the car, refusing to surrender until deputies deployed pepper balls and spray. Beri, who has built a career advocating for mental wellness and destigmatizing therapy in India, now finds himself at the center of speculation about a personal crisis, highlighting the profound pressures faced by even those in the mental health space. Beri’s professional journey paints a picture of success.
Educated in the United States with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he later earned an MBA in marketing and strategy from the Indian School of Business. He joined his family’s business, FieldKing—a global farm equipment manufacturer founded by his grandfather in 1978—rising to a leadership role in business development. Living in affluent Menlo Park, with a home valued at millions, Beri embodied the Silicon Valley-adjacent dream of many Indian-origin professionals. In 2016, Beri launched BetterLYF Wellness, an online platform offering anonymous counseling, therapy sessions, and psychiatric support primarily targeted at Indians wary of societal judgment. The startup aimed to make mental health accessible in a culture where seeking help often carries stigma.
Vikram Sharma, who torched Punjabi singer Ap Dhillon’s vehicles in B.C. for the Lawrence Boshnoi gang, was living in Canada illegally when the attack happened. His student visa expired in April 2024, and he fled to India after the September 2024 incident.
Vikram Sharma, who torched Punjabi singer Ap Dhillon’s vehicles in B.C. for the Lawrence Boshnoi gang, was living in Canada illegally when the attack happened.
His student visa expired in April 2024, and he fled to India after the September 2024 incident. pic.twitter.com/OcXwvNwN4c
— YEGWAVE (@yegwave) December 13, 2025
In interviews, Beri spoke passionately about this mission, noting how Indians tend to “keep these things low profile because they fear being judged.” He emphasized that stress affects everyone and hoped his platform would encourage a more progressive approach. BetterLYF grew into a notable player in India’s burgeoning digital mental health sector, providing chat-based and video therapy to users seeking discreet support for anxiety, relationships, and more. Yet, on that Saturday afternoon at Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in Saratoga—a picturesque spot combining equestrian facilities with Cooper-Garrod wines—Beri’s actions suggested a stark departure from his public persona. Staff confronted him as he allegedly tried to ignite a fire on the property. When challenged, he reportedly hurled a wine bottle at employees before fleeing in his Tesla.
In a reckless escape attempt, he deliberately rammed two parked cars, sending one tumbling over an embankment. Beri then drove his own vehicle off the edge, locking himself inside and ignoring repeated de-escalation efforts from Santa Clara County deputies. Only after non-lethal force was used did he emerge, leading to his arrest on charges of assault with a deadly weapon (the bottle) and resisting arrest. He was promptly taken to a hospital for evaluation before booking. The incident has sparked widespread online speculation that Beri may have been experiencing a severe mental health episode. Commentators point to the erratic, self-destructive behavior as resembling a breakdown, especially ironic given his role in the wellness industry. Mental health startups like BetterLYF operate in a high-stress environment: rapid growth demands, funding pressures, and the emotional weight of handling users’ vulnerabilities.
Founders often face burnout, with the very tools they promote sometimes feeling out of reach due to stigma or personal denial. Broader critiques of the sector—including concerns over data privacy, therapist qualifications, and aggressive marketing—add context, though nothing directly ties to Beri’s case. No official motive has been released, and the investigation continues. Beri’s arrest underscores a harsh reality: advocating for mental health doesn’t immunize one from its challenges. High-achieving entrepreneurs, particularly from immigrant backgrounds navigating cultural expectations, often grapple with isolation and unrelenting pressure. In India and the diaspora, success is frequently measured by outward achievement, leaving little room for vulnerability. This episode serves as a cautionary tale. While platforms like BetterLYF have helped thousands seek help anonymously, it reminds us that founders are human too.
The stigma Beri sought to combat may have played a role in delaying his own support—if indeed a crisis precipitated the events. As details emerge, the story raises questions about support systems for those building the very infrastructure meant to help others. In an era of rising mental health awareness, cases like this highlight that no one is exempt, and seeking help remains a vital, sometimes lifesaving, step—even for those who preach it.
Research Links
- Indian-origin millionaire arrested in US; Vikram Beri tried setting California winery on fire; crashed Tesla into two cars
- Mental health startup founder allegedly tried to set fire at Bay Area winery before intentionally crashing Tesla
- Founder of Mental Health Startup Has Epic Public Breakdown, Tries to Start Fire, Flees in Tesla, Crashes
- Indian-American entrepreneur tries to burn down winery in California, crashes Tesla into cars
- Who is Vikram Beri? Indian-origin millionaire arrested in US for crashing Tesla, attempting to start fire at winery
CK Sheldon (Sgt K) and Ben at Whatfinger News
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