Indian Woman, Three Family Members Killed in Georgia Shooting Children Escape by Hiding in Closet
Three children survive by hiding in a closet as police arrest accused husband after early morning shooting near Atlanta
US, Jan 24 : Four adults, including an Indian citizen, were shot dead in a suspected domestic violence incident in the US state of Georgia early Friday, prompting expressions of grief from the Indian Consulate in Atlanta. Local police have arrested the accused and said investigations are ongoing.
The Consulate General of India in Atlanta said it was “deeply grieved” by the fatal shooting, which it described as stemming from an alleged family dispute. In a statement posted on X, the mission confirmed that an Indian national was among the victims and assured that all possible assistance is being provided to the bereaved family.
The incident occurred around 2.30 am at a residence on Brook Ivy Court in Lawrenceville, near Atlanta. According to Gwinnett County Police, officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered four adults inside the home suffering from gunshot wounds. All were declared dead at the scene.
Police said the case appears to be domestic in nature. Three minor children were present inside the house during the shooting but were unharmed. Investigators revealed that the children hid together in a closet as the gunfire erupted, and one of them managed to call 911, providing crucial information to emergency responders.
When officers arrived at the location, the suspect’s vehicle was still parked in the driveway, raising concerns that he might be nearby. K-9 units were deployed, and the suspect was later traced to a wooded area close to the house, where he was taken into custody without incident. The children were subsequently handed over to a family member.
Authorities identified the accused as 51-year-old Vijay Kumar, a resident of Atlanta. He has been booked on multiple charges, including four counts each of aggravated assault, felony murder and malice murder, along with charges related to cruelty to children.
The victims were identified as Kumar’s wife, Meemu Dogra (43), and three other Indian-origin individuals from Lawrenceville — Gourav Kumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37) and Harish Chander (38).
Investigators said an argument allegedly broke out between the couple at their Atlanta home, after which they travelled with their 12-year-old child to the Lawrenceville residence, where the fatal shooting took place. Police said further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
