New Delhi - Indian equities fell by 3 per cent in trading Tuesday on weakness in global bourses and rising crude oil prices.

The benchmark 30-share sensitive Sensex index closed at 13,570.31 points, down 424.65 points, a loss of 3.03 per cent from its previous close Monday.

The broader National Stock Exchange's Nifty index also ended in the red at 4,126.90, down 96.15 or 2.28 percent from the previous close at 4,223.05.

Technology stocks were the hardest hit as Infosys, Satyam Computers and Tata Consultancies suffered the most.

The realty sector index was the second-worst performer as DLF and Unitech, among India's biggest developers led the declines in the segment.

Market analysts said selling pressure gathered momentum after reports of a steep fall in the US and Asian bourses as investors awaited details of the US government's bailout package for debt-burdened banks.

They also said rising crude oil prices, which recorded its biggest one-day increase on Monday, also dampened trading sentiments. (dpa)