Bengaluru, June 17 -- More than 58,000 bakery owners, beeda shop operators and street vendors across Bengaluru have called for an indefinite strike from June 18, protesting alleged harassment by officials from various government departments and demanding protection for small traders.

Announcing the protest at a press conference, Karnataka State Labour Council President Ravi Shetty Baindoor alleged that small business owners, despite operating legally and paying taxes, are being subjected to frequent inspections, hefty penalties and intimidation by authorities.

According to trader associations, bakeries and several categories of small retail establishments across Bengaluru are expected to remain closed as part of the protest. While the s...