Mumbai, Apr 23 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was trading 181.82 points or 1.05 percent down Monday, amidst a choppy session ruled by major selling pressure.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,347.76 points, was ruling 17,192.02 points around 2.00 p.m., down 1.05 percent or 181.82 points from its previous close at 17,373.84 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the red with 1.22 percent or 64.60 points lower at 5,226.25 points.

The trade session was choppy with Reliance Industries, ONGC and Tata Steel among the stocks that were up. Scrip of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) rose by one percent or 7.30 points at Rs.738.75.

RIL on Friday reported a 21.20 percent decline in net profit at Rs.4,236 crore in the fourth quarter of 2011-12, compared to Rs.5,376 crore in the corresponding period of 2010-11.This was the second straight quarterly drop in profit for the company, hurt by weak refining margins and declining gas output from its offshore fields.

Reality major DLF, Hindalco Inds and Infosys were among the top losers.

Most on the BSE sectoral index were down, except for oil and gas indice, which were gainers in the trade session under review. The midcap index was down 75.84 points, while the smallcap index down 65.71 points.