Vijay Kumar, an Indian man accused of killing his wife Meenu Dogra and three other relatives following a heated argument in Georgia earlier this year, has pleaded not guilty to murder, with his lawyer arguing it was a “tragic case of self-defence.” The plea was raised during a recent court appearance. The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office is challenging the defense’s assertion that Kumar acted in self-defense during the incident.During the court hearing, the judge formally requested a guilty plea. “Ms. Merchant, how is your client’s defense going?” the judge asked. Vijay Kumar’s defense lawyer Ashley Merchant responded: “Not guilty.” Merchant said that Vijay Kumar is innocent and the case is a case of self-defense. “He is actually innocent. This is a case that we plan to present to you and present it as a case of innocence throughout this case. This was a tragic case of self-defense,” Merchant said.The defense filed a motion for a bail hearing alleging “a long-running campaign of threats, extortion and violence by his wife’s family.” Matt clarified that she was referring to “only a small number of people in my wife’s family” in these claims.Apart from Meenu Dogra, others killed by Kumar include Nidhi Chander, Harish Chander and Gourav Kumar.In its motion for a bail hearing, the defense further claimed that Gourav Kumar forcibly removed Vijay Kumar from his home on the night of the incident without a cellphone or jacket. The motion states that Vijay Kumar was forced into Chander’s residence. He reportedly feared for his life at the home after months of threats, armed intimidation and financial extortion.The defense motion also cited “the recanted testimony of his young daughter” to support that Vijay Kumar acted out of reasonable fear for his life.Merchant also said her client has no criminal record. “He has over 150 people here and 100 letters of support. He’s in a highly regulated, highly visible industry,” Merchant said.On the evening of January 23, Kumar got into a fight with others and the shooting began in the presence of children. A child called 911 to report the incident.On the evening of January 23, Kumar got into a fight with others and the shooting began in the presence of children. A child called 911 to report the incident. Kumar has been detained since his arrest.
