Benito Peralta Arias was a community leader from San Jeronimo Amanalco in the municipality of Texcoco.

Peralta, who was president of the security committee of the indigenous community of San Jerónimo Amanalco, disappeared on 21 March, 2020, days after denouncing to the municipal authorities the operation of an organised criminal group dedicated to fuel theft or “huachicoleo”, in his town.

According to local people Peralta was driving through the community when he was intercepted by gunmen who forced him into a car and took him away. Over the following days the local community blocked the roads in the areas as part of a protest to call for an investigation into Peralta’s disappearance.

His body was found on 31 March, 2020.

Benito Peralta Arias was a community leader from San Jeronimo Amanalco in the municipality of Texcoco in the state of Mexico.

Peralta, who was president of the security committee of the indigenous community of San Jerónimo Amanalco, disappeared on 21 March, 2020, days after denouncing to the municipal authorities the operation of an organised criminal group dedicated to fuel theft or “huachicoleo”, in his town.

According to local people Peralta was driving through the community when he was intercepted by gunmen who forced him into a car and took him away. Over the following days the local community blocked the roads in the areas as part of a protest to call for an investigation into Peralta’s disappearance.

His body was found on 31 March, 2020.