MP: Labourer digs a fortune, uncovers diamond worth ₹ 80 lakh from Panna mine

Panna: A laborer discovered a 19.22-carat diamond in a mine located in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district on Wednesday, officials reported. The gem, expected to fetch approximately ₹80 lakh or more at auction, was found during Raju Gaud’s routine mud-digging and sifting work, a practice he has followed for a decade during the monsoon months.

“I never imagined I would strike such fortune today,” Mr. Gaud remarked, hopeful that the proceeds from the auction would alleviate his financial struggles and secure his children’s education.

Upon finding the precious stone at Krishna Kalyanpur’s leased mine, Mr. Gaud promptly surrendered it to government authorities. Anupam Singh from the Panna diamond office confirmed that the gem-quality diamond would be included in the upcoming auction.

District Collector Suresh Kumar estimated the value of the 19.22-carat diamond, found in a shallow mine, at ₹80 lakh or more. The collector added that the gemstone would be open for bidding at the next diamond auction.

Mr. Gaud, who previously worked as a tractor driver, shared that his family earned their livelihood through labor. For the past decade, he has leased small mines during the rainy season in hopes of a fortunate discovery.

“I took over this particular mine about two months ago. I have handed over the diamond to the Government Diamond Office. Once I receive the money, I plan to use it for my children’s education and to purchase farmland,” Mr. Gaud expressed.

Officials outlined that the raw diamond would be auctioned, with the laborer receiving the proceeds after deductions for government royalties and taxes. Panna district, situated in MP’s Bundelkhand region, holds an estimated diamond reserve of 12 lakh carats.