Dance School in San Juan de Lurigancho Shuts Down After Extortion and Violence
Shooting Incident Spurs Closure
A dance school located in the José Carlos Mariátegui human settlement of San Juan de Lurigancho has permanently closed its doors following a shooting incident attributed to extortionists. This closure came after enduring six months of threats and harassment from local gangs. The violent attack occurred on May 20, alarming both the owner and community members.
The Impact of Extortion
The owner, speaking to Latina cameras, disclosed the difficult decision to shut down her business, which operated out of her home. “I made the decision to close my business here because I also live here,” she stated. The pressure prolonged not only her livelihood but also her family’s safety. Reports indicate that gangs, including those known as the “New Generation,” “the Mexicans,” and “the Chukis,” are behind these threats. They demanded money in exchange for alleged “security,” and with rising amounts—demanding sums that escalated from 6,000 to 50,000 soles—the owners felt increasingly trapped and unsafe.
Warnings Escalate
The situation deteriorated further when extortionists left floral arrangements at the school’s entrance, interpreted as overt threats. Frightened and distressed, the owner reached out for assistance from the authorities, but claims insufficient response from the police. “I have reported to the Rímac and DININCRI, but so far there has been no response,” she mentioned.
Emotional Toll on the Community
The emotional repercussions of this closure echo beyond just the owners. The manager expressed nostalgia for the ties built with students who had been part of the academy since its inception. “It makes me nostalgic because there are people who have been with us since we started, sending messages, calling, telling us how we are,” he shared. The community’s connection to the dance school faced rupture as many communications ceased, adding another layer of grief to the closure.
Family Safety in Jeopardy
The owner elaborated on the changes in her daily life and that of her family. Living under constant threat, she stated, “We feel insecure; we can’t even sleep here. My children don’t go to school, they don’t go to university.” This fear has limited their daily activities and altered their routines, highlighting the pervasive fear instigated by criminal activities in the area.
Authorities and Reporting Mechanisms
In response to the growing extortion issue, the Peruvian government activated Central 111, a confidential, 24/7 operational channel for citizens to report any cases of extortion. The service allows individuals to send evidence like audio or video to facilitate investigations.
Additional Reporting Options
Citizens are also encouraged to utilize these alternative channels for reporting extortion:
- Line 1818: Emergency channel dedicated to reporting extortion.
- Cell phone 942841978: Direct contact for making reports.
- Local Police Stations: Available in each district for filing complaints.
- Depincri: Specialized police units focused on investigating such crimes.
Conclusion
The closure of the dance school in San Juan de Lurigancho underscores a troubling intersection of community, art, and crime. As extortion and violence disrupt local businesses, the call for effective policing and community protection becomes paramount. The affected families not only lost a source of livelihood but also their sense of safety, exemplifying the broader implications of extortion on everyday life.