The rupee fell by 24 paise to 53 rupees 60 paise against the US dollar in early trade. The rupee had gained 11 paise to close at a fresh over 18-week high of 53 rupees 36 paise in the previous session. Besides strengthening of dollar against euro overseas on eurozone debt worries, rupee's fall is also attributed to increased month-end demand for the American currency from importers.