Man picks diamond on road after visiting Mata temple:59-year-old deposits 4-carat gem in Panna; plans to build house and tractor

In a stroke of incredible luck, a 59-year-old laborer in Panna district discovered a valuable diamond while returning from a temple visit, turning his ordinary day into an extraordinary one. The gem, weighing 4.04 carats and of James quality, is estimated to be worth over Rs 10 lakh. The laborer, Govind Singh Adiwasi, a resident of Rahunia Gujar village, had visited Khera Mata temple on Wednesday morning. On his way back home, his attention was drawn to a shiny stone lying by the roadside. Initially mistaking it for a regular rock, Govind picked it up and carried it home. When he showed it to his family, they suspected it was a diamond. Family confirms the diamond Excited and curious, Govind Singh and his family immediately took the stone to the Panna Diamond Office for verification. Diamond expert Anupam Singh confirmed that the stone was indeed a 4.04-carat James-quality diamond, known for its exceptional clarity and color. The announcement brought immense joy to the family, who had never imagined that a random roadside find could hold such value. “This is a blessing from Mata Rani,” said Jahar Singh, Govind’s son. “My father had previously found a smaller 2.5-carat diamond, but it was of lower quality, so the earnings were minimal. This new find has truly opened our fortune.” Plans for the proceeds Govind Singh, who has four sons and four daughters, revealed that the family has been living modestly on earnings from labor work and vegetable cultivation on their one-acre plot of land. “We have an unfinished house, and owning a tractor has always been a dream,” he said. “With the proceeds from the auction of this diamond, we will complete our house and buy a tractor. This is a life-changing moment for our family.” Govind Singh has legally deposited the diamond at the Panna Diamond Office as per government regulations. The diamond will be put up for auction, where national-level buyers participate, and the price is determined through bidding. Legal and auction process In Panna, all discovered diamonds must be submitted to the Diamond Office for formal verification before any sale. The auction process is strictly regulated. Once the auction concludes, the government deducts 12% from the total sale price, which includes 11% royalty and 1% TDS. The remaining proceeds are paid to the diamond finder. The Panna Diamond Office has been conducting these auctions since 1961. They occur four times a year, and buyers from across India, including Gujarat, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, participate in the process. How diamonds are found Diamond finders, locally called tuadars, typically acquire permits known as diamond mining pattas, which allow them to search specific areas legally. Once a permit is obtained, workers sift through soil and wash it with water to extract stones. The process involves sorting through pebbly soil, washing, drying, and handpicking the diamonds. Quality, color, cut, and carat weight determine the final price of each diamond. The most valuable diamonds fall under James quality, especially those in E and D color grades, which are suitable for jewelry. Industrial black diamonds, however, are used for machinery, glass cutting, and other applications and are comparatively cheaper. Prices can range from ₹50,000 to ₹15 lakh per carat, depending on quality and market demand. Diamond auction rules Once the diamond is submitted, officials assess its weight, cut, color, and clarity. The diamond is then listed for auction, and buyers place bids based on its quality. After the auction, the government deducts taxes and royalties, and the net amount is handed over to the finder. This ensures transparency and legal compliance in diamond trading. Govind Singh’s find is expected to attract significant interest due to its high quality and clarity, and it is likely to fetch well above its estimated ₹10 lakh value at the upcoming auction. Community reaction The local community in Panna has celebrated Govind Singh’s good fortune, calling it a “blessing from Mata Rani.” Neighbors and relatives visited the family to congratulate them. Govind Singh hopes that this sudden windfall will not only improve his family’s financial situation but also provide a better standard of living for his children. “This is a reward for years of hard work and devotion,” said Govind Singh. “We have always believed in Mata Rani’s blessings, and today, we are truly blessed.”