As the monsoon approaches, the villages near the Nallamalla forests of Andhra Pradesh have once again become a hotspot for diamond hunting. Farmers from Tuggali, Jonnagiri, Maddikera, and surrounding mandals have started to gather in the fields, hoping to strike it rich by unearthing precious gems.
Reports of past discoveries, where some individuals found diamonds and became millionaires overnight, have fueled this annual frenzy. This year, the buzz intensified with news that a farmer from Madanathapuram in Tuggali Mandal of Kurnool district allegedly found a valuable diamond. Local traders quickly converged on the farmer's house, competing to purchase the gemstone, which is estimated to be worth Rs 30 lakh.
The diamond hunt is not limited to Kurnool district. In neighboring Anantapur district, as soon as the first rains fall, villagers in areas such as Jonnagiri, Tuggali, Maddikera, Pagidirai, and Peravali mandals begin their search for diamonds. This tradition sees villagers meticulously scratching the wet ground, hoping to uncover hidden treasures.
Before the monsoon season begins, similar activities are observed in Vajrakarur, Betapalli, Ootakallu, Basinpalli, and other areas of Anantapur district, where the hunt for diamonds takes on a fervent pace.
In just a few weeks, at least four diamonds with a combined value of Rs 70 lakh have reportedly been discovered by fortunate farm workers in the villages of Tuggali and Maddikera mandals.
As recently as Friday evening, a semi-precious stone estimated to be worth Rs 20 lakh was allegedly found by a local farmer in Madanandapuram village of Tuggali mandal, reported The New Indian Express. Yet, the police have dismissed these reports as mere rumors and refused to acknowledge the discoveries. The police said that they did not receive any information regarding the finding of any valuable stone this year.
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