From correspondents in Maharashtra, India, 04:32 PM IST

Indian markets closed in the red Friday, with a key index shutting shop 240.51 points (provisional) lower than its last closing figure as investors booked profits.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 12,092.97 points, fell 240.51 points or 1.98 percent from the previous close to end trade at 11,876.43 points (provisional).

Similarly, the S and amp;P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), lost 1.76 percent to close at 3,619.2 points.

Broader market indices ended mixed, with the BSE midcap index moving down 0.17 percent, while the BSE smallcap index was up 0.32 percent.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)