The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by over 221 points in opening trade today, dragged down by IT stocks amid a weakening trend on other Asian bourses.

The 30-share Sensex, which lost 57.60 points in the previous session, fell by 221.31 points, or 1.30 per cent, to 16,803.78 in opening trade today.

In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index declined by 67.70 points, or 1.32 per cent, to 5,050.55.

Meanwhile, the Indian rupee lost 19 paise to Rs 49.13 per US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today due to appreciation of the US currency against other major rivals overseas and a weak opening in the domestic equity market.

Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to dollar gains against the euro overseas and a lower opening in the stock market.