MP: Panna labourers strike fortune with 17-carat diamond valued at over Rs 50 lakh
Panna, Aug 11
Panna in Madhya Pradesh is once again in the spotlight for its diamonds. Seven labourers have seen their fortunes change after discovering a gem‑quality diamond weighing approximately 16.96 carats in a shallow mine in Sarkoha village.
The stone is estimated to be worth between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, bringing cheer to the families involved.
Leaseholder Akhilesh Pal said he found the diamond on Monday evening while inspecting his previous shallow mine near his father's field after recent rains. Pal, who also works as a tea vendor and marginal farmer, held the lease of the shallow mine in 2024 along with seven partners.
Although they had later abandoned the site after long hardship, he continued trying his luck and shared the discovery with his partners so that the proceeds could be divided equally.
District diamond office sources confirmed that Pal had a valid lease for the mine in 2024. He noticed a glittering stone in the soil, recognised its value and promptly deposited it at the Government Diamond Office in Panna as per procedure. The diamond will now be put up for government auction. Officials said the auction is likely to be held after a sufficient number of diamonds are collected, possibly in November.
Pal said he hoped the stone could fetch up to Rs 1 crore, though officers estimated its value between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. The find has raised hopes among the partners, several of whom have faced prolonged financial hardship.
Three of them, Santosh, Sharman and Arun, remained unmarried well into their thirties due to financial strain. They now hope the auction money will help them marry and improve their living conditions.
The labourers plan to use their share to build concrete houses in place of thatched huts and provide better education for their children. As per rules, royalty and other charges will be deducted from the auction proceeds, with the balance distributed equally among the seven partners. The families are now awaiting the formal auction process.
Panna is known for its diamond mines in India. Local people occasionally discover such diamonds in shallow mines or small areas near their fields, which they take on lease from the district diamond office.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Panna ke diamonds ka magic phir se! But I wonder - why do they have to wait till November for the auction? By that time, the stone's value might drop or worse, it could get lost in bureaucracy. Government should streamline this process so poor labourers get their money on time.
Amazing find! But Rs 30-50 lakh divided among 7 people after royalty deductions - each person might get only around Rs 4-5 lakh. Still life-changing for rural labourers, but I hope they don't fall into the trap of money lenders or middlemen. Government should provide financial guidance for these families.
What a fascinating story from India! It's remarkable how fortunes can change overnight. The men who couldn't marry due to financial struggles now have hope. I love how honestly they're following the legal process rather than selling it in the black market. Wishing them all the best!
भगवान का आशीर्वाद! 🙏 So happy for these hardworking families. Building concrete houses and educating their children - this is what true development looks like at the grassroots. Also proud that they're following proper government procedure. Panna continues to be India's diamond heart ❤️
Ek taraf crorepati apne paise se boring investments karte hain, aur yahan yeh labourers ground par mehnat karke bhagya paye! This also shows why rural India needs more support - imagine what they could achieve with better mining equipment. The human spirit here is truly inspiring.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.