The benchmark index of the Indian equities market closed lower on Tuesday with the 30-scrip sensitive index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, closing at 20693.24 points, 94.06 points or 0.45 percent lower from the previous close of 20787.30 points. The Sensex had a turnover of 4.46 billion rupees (about 71.98 million U.S. dollars).