Seven labourers find ‘ ₹50 lakh’ diamond in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna: ‘Rock measured 17.96 carats’

In a stroke of extraordinary luck, seven daily-wage laborers in India's Madhya Pradesh state have unearthed a significant diamond, potentially changing their lives forever. The gem, weighing 17.96 carats, was discovered in a leased shallow mine in the Panna district, a region renowned for its diamond deposits.

The laborers, who had leased the mine two years ago and recently reopened it after a year-long closure, found the precious stone near the surface. Akhilesh Pal, one of the workers, described spotting the rock after heavy rainfall. "We had been mining there for about two years, but we had no luck, so we closed the mine for a year," Pal told the BBC. "When we went there to inspect the new one, we also looked inside the old mine, and that's where we found it - right on top."

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We had been mining there for about two years, but we had no luck, so we closed the mine for a year. We had started another mine right next to it. When we went there to inspect the new one, we also looked inside the old mine, and that's where we found it - right on top.

According to diamond officials, the rock is of "gem quality," signifying one of the finest varieties of natural diamonds. It is estimated to be worth approximately ₹50 lakh (nearly $60,000 USD). The diamond is slated for auction in October, with expectations of attracting bids from both domestic and international buyers.

Following the auction, the government will deduct a 12% royalty from the sale price. The remaining amount will be distributed equally among the seven men who discovered the gem. This find is particularly significant for the workers, with some expressing dreams of marriage and financial security, highlighting the profound impact such a discovery can have on their livelihoods.

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