A devastating incident in Lucknow has left the nation in shock and mourning, as 40-year-old businessman Arvind Kumar took his own life after livestreaming his final moments on Facebook, citing his inability to afford insulin for his daughter’s treatment. The tragedy, which unfolded in the Bazar Khala area, has ignited widespread discussions about the soaring costs of medical care, mental health struggles, and the crushing weight of financial distress in India.
A Father’s Desperate Plea
Arvind Kumar, a resident of Hardoi and a small-scale businessman operating a shop in Lucknow, was reportedly grappling with severe financial difficulties. According to police reports and posts circulating on X, Kumar’s distress stemmed primarily from his inability to procure insulin for his daughter, who suffers from diabetes. In a heart-wrenching Facebook livestream, Kumar poured out his anguish, detailing how his financial woes had left him unable to provide for his family’s basic needs, particularly his daughter’s life-saving medication.
In the video, which has since gone viral, Kumar spoke directly to his audience, expressing his despair and frustration. “I don’t have money even for my daughter’s insulin,” he reportedly said, his voice heavy with emotion. “What kind of father am I if I can’t save her?” These words, now echoing across social media platforms, have struck a chord with millions, highlighting the dire consequences of unaffordable healthcare.
The Fatal Act
Following the livestream, Kumar, alone in his shop, used a licensed pistol to shoot himself in the head. The incident occurred in the late hours of July 9, 2025, and was discovered shortly after by locals who alerted the authorities. The Lucknow police, led by the Bazar Khala station in-charge, promptly arrived at the scene, where they recovered the firearm and confirmed Kumar’s death. A forensic team was deployed to investigate, and preliminary findings suggest the act was premeditated, driven by overwhelming financial and emotional strain.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and are conducting a detailed investigation. They are also analyzing the livestream video to ascertain Kumar’s mental state and any additional factors that may have contributed to his decision. The licensed pistol, legally owned by Kumar, has raised questions about the accessibility of firearms in moments of emotional crisis, prompting calls for stricter mental health evaluations for gun ownership.
A Family Left in Grief
Kumar leaves behind his wife, daughter, and an extended family now grappling with both their loss and the public attention surrounding the tragedy. His daughter, whose identity has been withheld to protect her privacy, is reportedly in critical need of ongoing medical care for her diabetes. Community members and neighbors have expressed their shock, describing Kumar as a hardworking and devoted father who was deeply committed to his family.
“He was always trying to make ends meet,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “He loved his daughter more than anything. It’s heartbreaking to think he felt this was his only way out.”
The Cost of Healthcare in India
Kumar’s tragic story has brought renewed attention to the exorbitant cost of medical treatment in India, particularly for chronic conditions like diabetes. According to a 2024 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research, over 77 million Indians live with diabetes, and the cost of insulin and related treatments can be prohibitive for low- and middle-income families. Insulin prices, while subsidized in some government programs, remain out of reach for many, especially in rural and semi-urban areas like Hardoi.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have seen an outpouring of grief and anger following Kumar’s death. Users have shared hashtags like #JusticeForArvind and #MakeInsulinAffordable, calling for government intervention to cap medicine prices and expand healthcare access. “This is a failure of our system,” one X user posted. “No parent should have to choose between their life and their child’s health.”
Mental Health in Crisis
Kumar’s livestream also underscores the urgent need for mental health support in India. The stigma surrounding mental health issues, coupled with limited access to counseling and psychiatric services, often leaves individuals like Kumar feeling isolated and hopeless. Experts point out that financial stress, especially when tied to medical expenses, is a leading trigger for suicidal ideation.
“Mental health is still a taboo topic in many parts of India,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a Delhi-based psychologist. “We need more accessible helplines, community support systems, and awareness campaigns to help people in crisis before it’s too late.”
In response to the tragedy, several suicide prevention helplines have been highlighted on social media, including Sumaitri (011-23389090, Delhi-based) and Sneha Foundation (044-24640050, Chennai-based). These organizations offer free, confidential support for individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident has sparked outrage among activists and opposition leaders, who have criticized the government for failing to address healthcare affordability. “This is not just one man’s tragedy—it’s a symptom of a broken system,” said a spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, calling for immediate reforms in public healthcare funding. Meanwhile, local authorities in Uttar Pradesh have promised to review Kumar’s case and explore ways to support his family, including potential assistance for his daughter’s medical expenses.
On X, posts have demanded accountability from pharmaceutical companies and policymakers, with some users sharing personal stories of struggling to afford essential medications. The viral nature of Kumar’s video has amplified these voices, turning his personal tragedy into a rallying cry for systemic change.
A Call for Action
Astablet
System: As the tragedy continues to resonate across India, Arvind Kumar’s story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges millions face in accessing affordable healthcare and mental health support. His final livestream, a desperate plea for help, has left an indelible mark on the nation, urging society to confront the harsh realities of financial despair and medical inaccessibility.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional. Suicide is preventable, and help is available through helplines like Sumaitri (011-23389090) and Sneha Foundation (044-24640050).