Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets plunged 392.86 points or 2.11 percent during afternoon trade Monday as the rupee tumbled to a record low despite series of measures adopted last week to arrest further depreciation.

Rupee fell as far as 62.65 to the dollar, surpassing the previous low of 62.03 hit Friday.

The downfall was led by auto, banking index (bankex), healthcare, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), public sector undertakings (PSU), oil and gas and capital goods sectors; while some positive buying was observed in metal sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,587.38 points, was trading at 18,205.32 points in the afternoon session, down 392.86 points or 2.11 percent from last Friday's close at 18,598.18 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 18,587.38 points and a low of 18,203.98 points during trade so far.

The S&P BSE auto index dropped by 411.43 points, bankex dipped by 355.73 points, healthcare index slipped by 259.85 points, FMCG index plummeted by 168.29 points, PSU index plunged 130.11 points, oil and gas index slid by 178.64 points and capital goods index went down by 148.21 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 126.50 points or 2.30 percent down at 5,381.35 points.