Indian-origin Vijay Kumar pleads not guilty to murders of wife and 3 relatives: 'It's a tragic case of self defense'

Indian man Vijay Kumar, who was accused of killing his wife Meenu Dogra and three other relatives following a heated argument in Georgia earlier this year, pleaded not guilty to the murders and his counsel defended the act as a “tragic case of self-defense”. The plea was entered during a recent court appearance. The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office is disputing defense claims that Kumar acted in self-defense during the incident.During the court proceedings, a judge formally asked for the plea. “Ms Merchant, how’s your client plead?” the judge asked. Ashleigh Merchant, the defense lawyer representing Vijay Kumar, responded, “Not guilty.” Merchant said Vijay Kumar is innocent and that the case is one of self-defense. “He actually is innocent. This is a case that we plan on presenting to you and presenting throughout this case as a case of innocence. It’s a tragic case of self-defense,” Merchant said.The defense submitted a motion for a bond hearing that alleged a “prolonged campaign of threats, extortion and violence by his wife’s family.” Merchant clarified that she is referring to “only a select few of the wife’s family” in these claims.Apart from Meenu Dogra, the others who were killed by Kumar included Nidhi Chander, Harish Chander and Gourav Kumar.In the bond hearing motion, the defense further claimed that on the night of the incident, Gourav Kumar coerced Vijay Kumar from his home without his phone or coat. The motion stated that Vijay Kumar was physically shoved into the Chander residence. It described the home as a place where he reportedly feared for his life after months of threats, armed intimidation and financial extortion.The defense motion also cited “the recanted testimony of his minor daughter,” to support the claim that Vijay Kumar acted in reasonable fear for his life.Merchant also described her client as someone with no criminal history. “He has 150-something people here and 100 letters of support. He’s in a highly regulated, highly visible industry,” Merchant said.On the night of January 23, a fight broke out between Kumar and others and the shooting started in the presence of children. One child dialed 911 and called the police.On the night of January 23, a fight broke out between Kumar and others and the shooting started in the presence of children. One child dialed 911 and called the police. Since his arrest, Kumar has been in custody.