A man accused of raping a student in her LSU dorm last September can return to campus. On Aug. 12, Vishal Bhardwaj, 26, signed a revised protective order allowing his attendance; however, he has to stay at least 100 feet away from the accuser. The state opposed this decision, expressing concerns about safety and the impact on the victim, reports WVLA. 

Bhardwaj requested the court to change his bond conditions after a hearing by LSU’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. His counselors argued that he was found not guilty of the accusations. The incident occurred on Sept. 9, 2023, when officials responded to North Hall at LSU. The woman reported being sexually assaulted that day, stating Bhardwaj raped her for two minutes after she declined consent

Bhardwaj was apprehended and charged with third-degree rape before being released on bond. He was initially banned from LSU’s campus. A hearing is set for Sept. 5, with trial on Sept. 30, per court documents. 

#Clique, what are your thoughts?