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The Indian equity benchmarks fell on Thursday led by weakness in information technology stocks amid weak global cues.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 581 points or 1 per cent to close at 57,277

while the broader NSE Nifty settled 168 points or 0.97 per cent lower at 17,110.

During the day, the 30-share BSE index hit an intraday low of 56,439; and Nifty touched a low of 16,867.

Mid- and small-cap shares finished lower as Nifty Midcap 100 index fell 1.05 per cent and Nifty Smallcap 100 index moved 0.73 per cent lower.

On the stock-specific front, HCL Technologies was the top Nifty loser as the stock cracked 3.93 per cent to ₹ 1,079.55

Tech Mahindra, Dr Reddy's, TCS and Wipro were also among the laggards.

In contrast, Axis Bank, SBI, Cipla, Maruti and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the gainers.