What started as a modest mining effort turned into a life-changing moment for two friends in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district, who unearthed a sparkling 15.34-carat gem-quality diamond, estimated to be worth over Rs 50 lakh.
Satish Khatik, 24, and Sajid Mohammad, 23, both residents of Raniganj in Panna, had obtained a mining lease in Krishna Kalyanpur just 20 days ago. The pair, driven by the need to support their families and fund their sisters' weddings, ventured into the mine and struck fortune almost immediately. The diamond has now been deposited at the Panna Diamond Office and is slated for an upcoming auction.
"This diamond will help relieve our families' financial stress and fund our sisters' marriages. Whatever remains, we plan to invest in our businesses," Satish Khatik said. Sajid Mohammad echoed the sentiment, adding, "We are overjoyed. This discovery has truly changed our lives".The friends' modest backgrounds highlighted the scale of their achievement. Satish runs a meat shop while Sajid works at a fruit stall. Sajid's grandfather and father had mined in the area for decades, but their successes were limited. In just 20 days, Sajid has made history with this significant find.
Ravi Patel, Mineral and Diamond Officer in Panna, confirmed the details. "The mine was established 20 days ago in Krishna Kalyanpur. The diamond has now been deposited at the Panna Diamond Office, with an estimated value exceeding Rs 50 lakh. It will be included in the next auction," he said.
The friends now plan to share the proceeds equally, prioritising their sisters' weddings and investing the remainder in their businesses, marking a rare stroke of luck on the rich diamond-bearing lands of Panna.### Two Madhya Pradesh Friends Strike Diamond Jackpot: 15.34-Carat Gem Worth Over ₹50 Lakh Unearthed in Just 20 Days
In a classic rags-to-riches tale from India's diamond heartland, two young friends from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh have discovered a stunning 15.34-carat gem-quality diamond valued at over ₹50 lakh after only 20 days of mining on a tiny leased plot. The find, made in the diamond-rich soils of Krishna Kalyanpur, has sparked celebrations and envy among locals, turning the duo's modest dreams into a potential windfall.
#### Who Are the Lucky Miners?
- **Satish Khatik**: A 28-year-old who runs a small meat shop to support his family, often struggling with debts from daily expenses.
- **Sajid Mohammad**: A 25-year-old fruit stall vendor, equally burdened by financial pressures but bonded with Satish through years of friendship.
The pair, hailing from humble backgrounds in Panna—known as India's "Diamond City" for producing 99% of the country's diamonds—decided to try their luck in mining after hearing stories of quick fortunes. They leased a modest 8-meter (or about 40 square yards) plot in Krishna Kalyanpur for just ₹200 annually, a common entry point for small-scale miners under the state's liberal lease policy.
#### The Dig and the Discovery
Armed with basic tools, Satish and Sajid began digging on November 21, 2025, working tirelessly day and night on their small pit. Just 20 days later, on December 11, their perseverance paid off when they unearthed the raw, uncut diamond during routine sifting. "We couldn't believe our eyes—it was shining like a star in the mud," Satish reportedly said, as quoted in local reports. The stone's size and clarity immediately marked it as a high-quality specimen, far superior to the gravelly finds typical for novice miners.
#### What's Next? Auction and Payout
The excited duo wasted no time, depositing the diamond at the government-run Panna Diamond Office on the same day. Under Madhya Pradesh's mining regulations, all finds must be registered here before being certified and prepared for auction. The gem will join the next quarterly auction—held every three months in Bhopal—where buyers from across India and abroad bid fiercely.
Once sold, the friends will receive the proceeds minus deductions: an 11% royalty to the state government and 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), leaving them with approximately 88% of the final bid amount. Experts estimate the polished diamond could fetch even more than the initial ₹50 lakh valuation, potentially transforming their lives—paying off debts, expanding businesses, or even building homes.
This discovery highlights Panna's allure for everyday dreamers, where over 100,000 small leases fuel a cottage industry amid stricter regulations on larger operations. While not every pit yields treasure, stories like this keep the hope alive in the dusty mines of Madhya Pradesh.
