An Indian labourer’s fortunes have dramatically shifted after uncovering a massive diamond in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, estimated to be worth around eight million Indian rupees ($95,000).
Raju Gound, who has been leasing mines in Panna city for over a decade, found the 19.22-carat diamond in a shallow mine.
Panna is renowned for its diamond reserves, where individuals, families, and cooperative groups lease affordable, shallow mines from the government in hopes of finding precious stones.
The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) operates a mechanised diamond mining project in Panna and leases out these mines.
"These mines can be leased for about 200-250 rupees for a specific period," Anupam Singh, an official at the state government's diamond office, told the BBC.
In 2018, a labourer from Bundelkhand discovered a diamond worth 15 million rupees in Panna, though such findings are rare. Singh highlighted that while smaller stones are often found, Gound’s discovery is notable due to its size.
Gound's father had leased the mine in Krishna Kalyanpur Patti village near Panna about two months ago. The family, with no other source of income, leases mines primarily during the monsoon season when agricultural and masonry work is scarce.
"We are very poor and have no other source of income. So we do this in the hope of making some money," Gound explained.
He had always hoped to find a diamond and went to the site on Wednesday morning for his daily search.
"It's tedious work. We dig a pit, pull out chunks of soil and rock, wash them in a sieve, and then carefully sift through thousands of dried, tiny stones to look for diamonds," he said.
"I was sifting through the stones and saw something that resembled a piece of glass. I held it up to my eyes and saw a faint glint. That's when I knew I had found a diamond," he said.
Gound took his find to the government diamond office, where it was evaluated and weighed.
Singh mentioned that the diamond would be sold at the next government auction, and Gound would receive compensation after deducting government royalties and taxes.
Gound hopes to use the money to build a better house for his family, pay off a 500,000 rupee debt, and fund his children’s education.
He also plans to share the money with 19 relatives who live with him. Despite the newfound wealth, Gound remains grounded.
"Tomorrow, I'll go to the mine again to look for diamonds," he said.
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