Indian man Vijay Kumar, accused of killing his wife Meenu Dogra and three other relatives after a heated argument in Georgia earlier this year, has pleaded not guilty to the murders and his lawyer described the act as a “tragic case of self-defense.” This petition was filed during the recent appearance in the court. The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office is disputing the defense’s claims that Kumar acted in self-defense during the incident.During court proceedings, a judge formally asked for a plea. “Ms. Merchant, what is your client’s request?” the judge asked. Defense lawyer Ashley Merchant, representing Vijay Kumar, replied, “Not guilty.” Merchant said that Vijay Kumar is innocent and this is a case of self-defense. “He is actually innocent. This is a case that we plan to present before you and present this entire case as a case of innocence. Merchant said, this is a tragic case of self-defense.The defense submitted a motion for a bond hearing alleging “a prolonged campaign of threats, extortion and violence by his wife’s family.” Merchant clarified that she was referring to “only a select few of the wife’s family” in these claims.Apart from Meenu Dogra, others killed by Kumar included Nidhi Chander, Harish Chander and Gaurav Kumar.In the bond hearing motion, the defense further claimed that on the night of the incident, Gaurav Kumar forcefully removed Vijay Kumar from his home without his phone or coat. The motion states that Vijay Kumar was forcefully pushed into Chander’s residence. It described the house 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 justified fear for his life.Merchant described his client as a person who has no criminal history. “He has about 150 people here and 100 letters supporting him. He’s in a highly regulated, highly visible industry,” Merchant said.On the night of 23 January, a fight broke out between Kumar and others and firing started in the presence of children. One child dialed 911 and called the police.On the night of 23 January, a fight broke out between Kumar and others and firing started in the presence of children. One child dialed 911 and called the police. Kumar is in custody since his arrest.