After starting the trade on a strong note in the last session of the current fiscal on Wednesday, Indian equities slipped into the red as investors resorted to profit booking.

Against the previous close at 17,590.17 points, the sensitive index (Sensex) opened at 17,602.39 points and moved up to 17,699.50 points. But the index subsequently slipped and was ruling at 17,563.77 points, with a loss of 26.40 points, or 0.15 percent. The scenario was no different at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), with the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty opening at 5,260.4 points, against the previous close at 5,262.45 points but losing ground to 5,255.8 points with a loss of 6.65 points, or 0.13 percent.

Among the 13 sector-specific indices at the BSE, six were in the red, while the others, led by realty, auto and power, were trading in the green. The indices for fast-moving consumer goods, IT and oil and fuels were among the main losers.

16 scrips were in the green while 14 were trading below the previous day's close, within the Sensex. Sun Pharma, DLF and NTPC led the gainers, while Hindalco, ITC and Reliance Industries led the losers. (With Inputs from Agencies)