Debt-ridden India labourer digs up diamond worth $95,000

Raju Gound, a laborer from India, has been searching for diamonds for over a decade. His persistence paid off recently when he discovered a remarkable diamond in a mine located in Madhya Pradesh, a central state in India. This diamond, weighing 19. 22 carats, is expected to be sold for around 8 million rupees, which is approximately $95,570. Raju has been leasing mines in Panna city, a region famous for its diamond deposits, in hopes of finding a valuable stone. Many locals rent shallow mines from the government to search for diamonds, and Raju's find is particularly significant due to its size. Raju Gound has dedicated many years to working in the diamond mines. He mentioned that his family typically leases these mines during the monsoon season when agricultural and masonry work becomes scarce. They do this because they are struggling financially and need to find ways to earn a living. Raju uses basic tools for his diamond-hunting efforts. He has heard stories of others striking it rich with diamond finds and always dreamed of having his own lucky moment. On a Wednesday morning, Raju went to the mine to carry out his daily routine. He described the process of searching for diamonds as labor-intensive. He digs a pit, extracts large chunks of soil and rock, washes them in a sieve, and then meticulously sifts through countless tiny stones to identify any diamonds. After a long day of hard work, Raju's luck changed when he spotted something shiny that resembled glass. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a faint glimmer and realized he had discovered a diamond! Following his discovery, Raju took the precious stone to the government diamond office for evaluation and weighing. Anupam Singh, an official at the office, stated that the diamond would be auctioned by the government, and Raju would receive his payment after the government deducts taxes and royalties. Raju has big plans for the money he hopes to receive. He wants to build a better home for his family and ensure his children receive a good education. Additionally, he aims to pay off a debt of 500,000 rupees. Raju is not concerned about others finding out about his diamond, as he intends to share the wealth with 19 relatives who live with him. For now, he is content knowing that the money will soon be in his hands, and he expressed his determination by saying, 'Tomorrow, I'll go to the mine again to look for diamonds.