The 30-share index, which closed flat in the last two sessions, lost 129.70 to be quoted at 17,694.78 points after the first five minutes of trade.
The National Stock Exchange index Nifty was also lower by 44.20 points at 5,240.20 points.
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex fell by 129 points in early trade today as funds and general investors reduced their holdings ahead of the Budget 2008-09.
The 30-share index, which closed flat in the last two sessions, lost 129.70 to be quoted at 17,694.78 points after the first five minutes of trade.
The National Stock Exchange index Nifty was also lower by 44.20 points at 5,240.20 points.
Marketmen said the selling pressure emerged as stock market participants reduced their position before Finance Minister P Chidambaram presents the Budget in Parliament at noon.
They said a falling trend in global market also influenced the trading sentiment.
