A mountain of sorrow fell on an Indian family in the American state of Georgia. During a domestic dispute, Indian-origin Vijay Kumar shot dead his wife and three relatives. This heart-wrenching incident happened in the early hours of Friday in Lawrenceville city near Atlanta. According to the police, 51 year old Vijay Kumar was fighting with his wife Meemu Dogra over some issue. The argument escalated so much that Vijay reached his relatives’ house with his wife and 12-year-old child. This house is in Brook Ivy Court area, where three of his relatives lived.

How was the massacre carried out?

It was in this house that Vijay first shot his wife Meemu Dogra. After this he also targeted three relatives Gaurav Kumar, Nidhi Chander and Harish Chander. Three children were also present in the house at that time. As soon as they heard the sound of gunshot, the children got scared and hid inside the cupboard to save their lives. One of these, a 12-year-old child, showed courage and called 911 and informed the police. Police reached the spot at around 2.30 in the night. The police saw that the three children were hiding in the cupboard. They were all safe and had no injuries.

What is the reason for the massacre?

Bodies of four people were found inside the house. Police said that everyone died due to gunshot wounds. Accused Vijay Kumar was arrested from a nearby forest area with the help of K-9 unit (dog team). Police have imposed many serious sections on Vijay. Sections like murder in four cases, felony murder in four cases, cruelty to children and serious assault have been added against him. Police have said that there is no other suspect in this case and it is purely a case related to domestic dispute.

Fear among Indian people living in America

The victims have been identified as Meemu Dogra, 43, Gaurav Kumar, 33, Nidhi Chander, 37, and Harish Chander, 38. All lived in the Lawrenceville area. There is an atmosphere of mourning and shock in the Indian community after the incident. The Indian Consulate in Atlanta has also expressed grief over this incident. The embassy wrote on social media that this is a very sad incident and all possible help is being provided to the victim’s family. Police say that the investigation is still going on and Vijay Kumar is being interrogated. The children have been sent to a safe place and local agencies are working on their future.