Indebted labourer digs up diamond worth $95,000

A debt-ridden labourer's fortune changed dramatically when he discovered a 19.22-carat diamond while routinely digging in a mine one morning.

The diamond, he hopes, will help ease his financial struggles.

The fortunate labourer, Raju Gaud, hails from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district, made the surprising discovery on Wednesday. 

The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) oversees a diamond mining project in Panna, renowned for its white metal reserves.

The department leases the mines at low rates to local individuals and families, with any finds being deposited to the government.

Raju, who unearthed the diamond in a leased mine, promptly deposited the 19.22-carat gem, which could fetch about INR8,000,000 or more at a government auction.

In an interview, he shared that he had been sifting mud every morning for the past ten years and was awestruck upon discovering the diamond.

"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 told the BBC.

"I hope the amount earned from the auction will reduce my financial hardships and support my children's education," Gaud said.

He has planned to share the money he would receive from the upcoming diamond auction equally among his 19 relatives.

An official from the Panna diamond office confirmed that the gemstone would be put up for auction next year.