Mumbai, May 25 - A benchmark index for Indian equities Tuesday opened in the red and was ruling 1.48 percent lower than its previous close, about 15 minutes into trade.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,444.57 points, was ruling at 16,226 points, 243.55 points or 1.48 percent down from its previous close at 16,469.55 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 4,878.7 points, down 1.32 percent from its previous close at 4,943.95 points.

Selling pressure was witnessed in broader markets as well, with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.6 percent down and the BSE smallcap index 0.66 percent lower. (IANS)