Mumbai, Aug 31 - Indian equities started the week on a dismal note with a key index falling 1.12 percent below its previous close about five minutes into trade.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Monday opened at 15,812.15 points, as against Friday's close at 15,922.34 points, and was ruling at 15,744.54 points some five minutes into trading.

At this level, the barometer index was down 183.46 points, or 1.15 percent.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE) the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 4,680.6 points, a loss of 1.09 percent.

Broader market indices were also ruling weak, with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.52 percent lower, and the BSE smallcap index down 0.27 percent.