The BSE benchmark index Sensex fell by over 70 points in the early trade today, as participants engaged in profit-booking amid concerns over rising global crude prices. The 30-share barometer, which had lost over 500 points in the previous three sessions, moved further down by 70.30 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 17,853.27 points in the early trade.The wide-based Nifty of the National Stock Exchange declined by 27.35 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 5,401.95 points.