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Panna Laborer Finds 11.19‑Carat Gem in Leased Mine

Officials confirmed the stone and say it will be sold at a government auction with proceeds, after royalty and taxes, credited to the family’s bank account.

Overview

  • The 11.19‑carat gem-quality diamond was found by tribal labourer Rakesh Gond in a small leased pit in Ahirgaon after about two months of work, and Panna Diamond Inspector Nutan Jain confirmed its weight and quality.
  • The family deposited the stone with the Government Diamond Office and district officials say it will be offered at the next government auction with a pre-auction estimate of roughly Rs 30–40 lakh.
  • After the auction, applicable government royalty and taxes will be deducted and the remaining proceeds will be paid into the family’s authorised bank account as per procedure.
  • This is the same family that sold a 19.22‑carat diamond in 2024 for Rs 93 lakh, a prior windfall that the family used to buy land, build housing and clear debts while continuing to lease pits.
  • Panna’s long history of small, labour‑intensive leases means occasional high-value finds can quickly change household finances and often lead families to reinvest in more leases, education and housing.