One diamond worker was killed and six others were injured in Bhavnagar when a private security guard allegedly opened fire on the workers who were protesting for wage hike.

The private security guard of a diamond polishing unit opened fire on the diamond workers who were violently protesting in Kumudwadi area of the city, police said.

Out of the seven workers who were injured in the 'private firing', one died in a city hospital, hospital sources confirmed.

"We have detained the security guard who opened fire on the diamond workers," Bhavnagar district Superintendent of Police Anupamsingh Gehlot said.

Gehlot said that the situation is under control now after police canned and dispersed the agitating workers.

The agitating workers indulged in stone pelting and damaged some vehicles in Kumudwadi area, police said.

Diamond workers across the state started their protest on Saturday for wage hike. The protest was organised following 20 per cent hike given to diamond workers of Surat.

Diamond workers of other parts of the state like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Amreli and Bhavnagar are also demanding 20 per cent wage hike.