(IDEX Online) - An Indian laborer who leased a tiny square of land to dig for diamonds has unearthed a 10.69 carat stone valued at $67,000.
Anandilal Kushwaha, 35, paid just $2.70 for the six-month rights to a 25ft by 25ft patch in an area of Panna, Madhya Pradesh, known for its diamond deposits.
The stone will be auctioned by the mineral resources department and Mr Kushwaha says he'll share the proceeds among the eight other men who helped him dig the shallow mine.
He said he'd been spending his share on his family and on educating his son and daughter.
"I was excited to have this diamond during Covid time and lockdown restrictions. It's all due to God's grace," he told the Hindustan Times newspaper.
TV screen grab shows Mr Kushwaha with the diamond