German retail giant, the Metro Group, has launched its first cash-and-carry retail outlet in India in Bangalore. On offer at the 6,500 sq ft store are 17,500 food, electronic and white goods at less than the MRP to retailers. But fresh fruits and vegetables are off the list: the idea being to protect local farmers. Even so, the city’s local retailers organised a bandh in the vicinity on the day it was inaugurated (October 20) itself. A petition has also been filed by the wholesale foodgrains association against the store with the Karnataka HC. Usual suspects like the SJM and BJP local units, along with the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, are backing the protests. The Metro Group has Rs 176 crore invested in its India operations and employs a staff of 750.