A 51-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested in the US state of Georgia for allegedly shooting his wife and three relatives. Police said the suspect, Vijay Kumar, is accused of opening fire after a domestic argument. During the incident, three children inside the house saved themselves by hiding in a closet.
The shooting took place early Friday morning at a house in Lawrenceville, a city near Atlanta.
Who Is Vijay Kumar?
Vijay Kumar, 51, is accused of shooting his wife, Meemu Dogra (43), during a dispute. Three other relatives Gourav Cumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37), and Harish Chander (38) were also killed.
Police said Kumar’s 12-year-old child called 911 after the situation turned violent. Officers later found Kumar a short distance from the house and arrested him.
According to a police statement, he faces multiple charges, including:
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Four counts of aggravated assault
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Four counts of felony murder
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Four counts of malice murder
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One count of cruelty to children in the first degree
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Two counts of cruelty to children in the third degree
Authorities have not released additional personal details about the suspect.
Indian Consulate Responds
The Indian Consulate in Atlanta confirmed that one of the victims was an Indian citizen and said the accused had been taken into custody. The mission shared condolences and offered help to the family.
“We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family,” the mission said in a post on X.
We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family.@MEAIndia @IndianEmbassyUS
— India in Atlanta (@CGI_Atlanta) January 23, 2026
How the Shooting Happened?
Police said the argument began between Kumar and his wife at their home in Atlanta. The couple then travelled with their 12-year-old child to a residence on Brook Ivy Court in Lawrenceville, where their relatives lived. Two other children, aged 10 and 7, were also in the house.
Around 2:30 am, police received reports of gunshots. When officers arrived, they found the three children hiding in a closet. The children were not hurt. Inside the house, police discovered four adults who had died from apparent gunshot wounds.
Investigation Status
Police confirmed that there are no other suspects involved. Investigators believe the motive is related to a domestic issue, but the exact reason behind the argument and how it escalated into violence is still unclear.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather more information.
