Poor labourer finds diamond worth lakks

Panna, MP, July 18 (UNI) A 15-carat diamond valued at about Rs 40 lakh was found this morning by an illiterate stone quarry worker at this district's Bhutiyai Diamond Mine.

Shyamlal, who resides in this district headquarters, is entitled to receive an amount equivalent to 90 per cent of the gem's value and the remainder will be deposited in the government treasury.

''This is the best gem found in this district since 2001. It will be auctioned in October. As the monsoon was causing an employment crisis, Shaymlal decided to try his luck at the Mine and began prospecting on July 13 after a 'patta' (deed) was issued,'' said diamonds official G K Solanki.

''It is God's miracle. I fearfully took the diamond to the Collectorate. Poverty had prevented me from going to school but I will now ensure that my three children receive proper education,'' said Shyamlal.

Last month, a 15-carat gem found by one Mahendra Dixit in the Badgadi mine, was auctioned for Rs 14.85 lakh.

UNI