A benchmark index of Indian equities markets plunged 281 points on Monday on weak global cues and a sell-off in metal, realty and power stocks. The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,047.73 points, closed at 16,877.35 points, down 1.64 per cent or 281.09 points from its previous day’s close at 17,158.44 points. The BSE metal index was down 357.32 points, followed by realty index, down 48.26 points, and power index, down 52.28 points. The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the NSE also closed 1.67 per cent down at 5,117.95 points. Gulf Today