Mumbai, May 10 : A benchmark index for Indian equities markets fell sharply in the afternoon session Tuesday to close flat as selling pressure built up on heavy weights like HDFC Bank and Hero Honda.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,564.95 points, closed at 18,508.2 points, down 20.76 points or 0.11 percent from its previous close at 18,528.96 points.

It had risen to an intra-day high of 18,564.95 points, while it fell to a low of 18,429.06 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also shut shop on a lacklustre note at 5,539.55 points, down 0.21 percent.

Broader markets too closed flat.(IANS)