The attorney representing César Sánchez Chavesta, the former musical director of Peruvian cumbia group La Bella Luz, confirmed on Wednesday that the 50-year-old musician remains in Lima and is complying with legal proceedings following a complaint of improper touching and alleged sexual harassment filed by singer Naldy Saldaña.
The confirmation came on August 12 as current members of the musical ensemble appeared at the Department of Criminal Investigation (Depincri) in Lima to provide formal statements regarding the ongoing investigation into the accusations.
Speaking exclusively to the Peruvian morning television program América Hoy, the attorney rejected speculation surrounding his client's whereabouts and denied that he intended to evade authorities. He stated that Sánchez Chavesta is staying in the capital, strictly adhering to due process, and fulfilling all required legal filings.
The lawyer responded directly to comments made during the August 11 broadcast of América Hoy by television host Janet Barboza. Barboza had questioned why Sánchez Chavesta faced no travel restrictions or arrest warrant to prevent him from leaving Peru, raising the possibility that he might attempt to flee justice. His attorney clarified that no arrest warrant or travel ban has been ordered against the former musical director.
Addressing his client's professional future, the defense attorney said that Sánchez Chavesta could return to his role with La Bella Luz if the legal process concludes in his favor and clears him of responsibility. He emphasized that the musician relies on his work to support his family, questioning public declarations of guilt before a court ruling has been reached. Sánchez Chavesta had previously surfaced following the complaint to request that his right to the presumption of innocence be respected.
Ongoing investigation and band response
Óscar Custodio, the legal representative of La Bella Luz, previously indicated that the orchestra would leave open the possibility of Sánchez Chavesta returning if the case resolves favorably for him. However, testimony from former members of the musical group has recently emerged during the investigation, backing Saldaña's account of alleged sexual harassment.
The complaint has caused significant internal strain within the organization. A legal representative for La Bella Luz collapsed during an inspection carried out by Peru's National Superintendency of Labor Inspection (Sunafil) following Saldaña's report. Meanwhile, group member Anely Dávila presented evidence to refute accusations that band members had mocked Saldaña over her allegations.
Institutions and legal framework in Peru
The Department of Criminal Investigation, known as Depincri, functions as the specialized crime unit of the National Police of Peru, responsible for taking witness testimonies and gathering evidence in criminal inquiries. Labor oversight falls under Sunafil, an independent state body tasked with supervising working environments and enforcing labor standards across Peruvian workplaces.
La Bella Luz is a well-known Peruvian cumbia orchestra. Cumbia is one of the most prominent musical genres in Peru, combining tropical rhythms with local musical traditions and wide popular appeal across the nation. América Hoy is a daily morning news and entertainment show broadcast by América Televisión, one of Peru's main national networks.
