VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A captain with the Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services and chair of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission is behind bars, accused of attacking his wife.
Rajeeb Islam was arrested on Monday, and now faces an assault charge and a charge for attempting to maliciously stab, cut or wound. A judge denied Islam bond in a hearing on Wednesday.
A judge said Tuesday Islam didn’t qualify for a public defender, but did say he could have one for the bond hearing.
According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle said Islam and his wife are in the process of getting a divorce.
Prosecutors say he went to the home to pick up some items and got in an argument with his wife.
They say at one point he pushed his finger into her chest and then as he was leaving, accelerated the car towards her twice. Islam’s wife feared for her safety and wanted his bond denied, according to prosecutors.
Islam is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Feb. 28.
Virginia Beach EMS says Islam has been with them for 10 years. He’s also been with the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission since 2013.
10 On Your Side reached out to Virginia Beach EMS, and they said depending on what happens in court, Islam could be placed on administrative duty.
They are still waiting to see what happens, and also say the arrest happened while Islam was off duty.
10 On Your Side also reached out to the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission, which sent a statement saying, “We respect Raj Islam’s work at the Human Rights Commission. We are aware of the charges pending against Raj Islam. There is a judicial process in place and we are awaiting the outcome. The Human Rights Commission remains dedicated to advocating for the human rights of all residents of Virginia Beach. To that end, we are concentrating our efforts towards planning a forum for Human Rights Day on December 10.”
10 On Your Side did ask the court if there’s been a previous restraining order taken out by Islam or his wife. They said there was nothing of that sort in their system.
Islam declined a request for an interview.