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Public Bus Used in Suspected Steel Rod Heist in Santa Clara

Thursday, September 4, 2025 by James Rodriguez

Public Bus Used in Suspected Steel Rod Heist in Santa Clara
Steel rods inside a bus in Santa Clara. - Image by © Facebook/Fuerza Pueblo

A recent incident in Santa Clara has surfaced, revealing a suspected theft that was shared on Thursday by Fuerza Pueblo, a social media account linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), known for highlighting police achievements. According to the report, law enforcement officers apprehended two individuals transporting steel rods on a public bus in the capital of Villa Clara. The official account claims the materials were stolen from a warehouse belonging to the Empresa de Instalaciones Fijas Traviesas, and the accused are now in custody.

The shared image depicts the bus's aisle filled with metal bars, accompanied by a post praising the police action and warning, “Those who are watched can’t escape, plain and simple.” However, skepticism emerged in the comments section. A user named Évora Dayanis argued that these were not criminals, but rather individuals returning the materials "taken by the same management."

Dayanis urged verification of the source, cautioning against “gossip and ill intentions from the neighborhood.” She described the post as "ironic" and baseless. In a follow-up comment, she insisted that the true culprits had already faced consequences and lost their positions, warning against “malicious tongues and venomous informants.”

No independent confirmation of either account exists. This incident underscores a recurring theme: MININT-affiliated profiles often present narratives as absolute truths, which are frequently contested by Cubans online. The lack of independent verification leaves several questions unanswered. Was this an attempted theft, as Fuerza Pueblo claims, or a material return, as locals suggest? What truly transpired, and who is responsible? These questions remain unresolved for now.

Beyond the arrest, the situation highlights the increasing hardships faced by Cubans, where steel rods are coveted commodities, sparking suspicion, rumors, and public disputes.

Key Questions About Santa Clara Incident

What is the official account of the steel rod incident in Santa Clara?

According to Fuerza Pueblo, two individuals were caught transporting stolen steel rods on a public bus, allegedly taken from a local warehouse.

What alternative perspective was shared about the incident?

A user claimed that the individuals were returning the materials to their rightful place, suggesting the original removal was orchestrated by management.

Why is there skepticism about the official story?

Doubts arise due to a lack of independent verification and the recurring theme of MININT-related narratives being disputed by the public.

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