Debt-Ridden Indian Laborer Unearths Diamond Worth $95,000
A 40-year-old Indian laborer’s life has been completely transformed after he accidentally discovered a diamond valued at nearly $100,000. The farmer, who resides in central India, found the gem in a mine located in Madhya Pradesh, according to the BBC.
The diamond, weighing approximately 19.22 carats, is expected to earn him around 8 million rupees, equivalent to roughly $95,570.
Raju Gond, a humble farmer with a modest income, had been leading a simple life. Before this life-changing discovery, he worked as a manual laborer in his village, earning about 350 rupees (around 40 lei) daily to support his family of nine.
Photo Credit: Indian Express
For over a decade, Raju had been renting mines in Panna, a town renowned for its diamond reserves, in hopes of finding a valuable gem. In this region, it's common for people to lease affordable, shallow mines from the government in their quest for precious stones.
Raju shared that this discovery has "changed his family's life forever." The remarkable find occurred while he was searching for gold with his brother, and they accidentally stumbled upon the valuable diamond.
Raju Gond brought the gem to the government’s diamond office, where it was carefully evaluated and weighed. "It weighs 19.22 carats. This diamond is of high quality and will be auctioned in the coming days," said Anupam Singh, a diamond expert.
After government royalties and taxes are deducted, Raju Gond will receive the proceeds from the diamond’s sale. He plans to use the money to build a better home for his family and to fund his children's education.
Raju also intends to share the proceeds with the 19 relatives who live with him. Despite his newfound wealth, he remains determined to continue his search for valuable stones, saying, "Tomorrow, I will return to the mine to look for more diamonds."
