A federal oral court in Salta has commenced the trial of Atta Miguel Gerala, the former mayor of Coronel Juan Solá, who is accused of orchestrating the theft of railway rails from the Belgrano Cargas line to facilitate illegal sales across the border in Bolivia. The alleged thefts took place between 2023 and 2024 along the C-25 route, specifically between Estación Morillo and Embarcación. Prosecutors contend that Gerala exploited the vulnerability of local indigenous communities to facilitate the theft and transport of the rails, loading them onto trucks for smuggling.

Eyewitness testimonies presented in court indicated that the stolen rails were being sold in Bolivia at a significant profit, further raising concerns about the exploitation of these communities by their leaders. The legal proceedings not only highlight the criminal activities of a local authority but also bring to light the broader issue of corruption and exploitation in these marginalized communities. The involvement of Gerala, who held a position of power, suggests a troubling link between local governance and criminal enterprises.

This case has significant implications for the integrity of local governance in the region and raises important questions about the protection of indigenous rights and the illegal extraction of resources. If convicted, Gerala's actions could set a precedent for holding local leaders accountable for such exploitative practices, potentially fostering greater transparency and justice in the treatment of vulnerable populations within Argentina's northern territories.