The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Tuesday fell by over 71 points or 0.44 per cent in opening trade on fresh selling by funds, triggered by a weak trend in the global markets.

The 30-share Sensex, which had gained 19.96 points in yesterday's choppy trade, fell by 71.54 points to 15,864.07 points in early trade as stocks of banking, oil and gas and realty sectors declined. The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also drifted by 20.25 points to 4,740.15.