A 42-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur was arrested in Saratoga, California, after a dramatic incident in which he allegedly attempted to start a fire at a winery and later crashed his Tesla while trying to flee, according to US authorities. The man, identified as Beri Vikram, is the founder of BetterLYF Wellness, an online mental health counselling platform, and also serves as Executive Director of Business Development at FieldKing, a global agricultural equipment manufacturer.
The incident took place on the afternoon of December 8 at Garrod Farms Estate Winery and Stables. According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Vikram was seen trying to ignite a fire on the property. When confronted by winery staff, he reportedly threw a wine bottle at them before attempting to escape. Authorities said he then crashed his Tesla into two parked cars, forcing one vehicle over an embankment.
Deputies said Vikram continued to behave erratically and refused to come out of the car, even after driving off the embankment. Despite “several de-escalation attempts,” he remained noncompliant. Officers eventually used pepperball rounds and pepper spray to force him out of the vehicle. He was arrested and taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.
He now faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. The sheriff’s office has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Vikram is a well-known entrepreneur in India’s mental health sector. He founded BetterLYF in 2016, explaining in past interviews that stigma around mental health inspired him to create a platform where people could seek help without fear of judgment. He previously worked with Deloitte Consulting and joined BUPL’s business development team in 2009. Public records show he lived in a six-bedroom home valued at approximately USD 6.6 million.
Online discussions following the incident suggested that Vikram’s behaviour may have resembled a mental health crisis, though authorities have not indicated any motive or confirmed any underlying condition.
The case continues to draw attention due to both the violent nature of the incident and Vikram’s background as the founder of a major mental health company.
