Panna, Aug 11 (IANS) 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
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