Mumbai, Aug 28 - Investigating authorities Friday went in a tizzy after a crucial witness went missing a day after his testimony started before the special court hearing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

The witness, Nuruddin Shaikh, Thursday identified two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) activists - Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Shaikh - who are co-accused in the case, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told reporters here.

According to the prosecution, Nuruddin Shaikh's testimony - the first time during the trial that the duo has been identified - could prove crucial in nailing Fahim and Sabahuddin.

Shaikh's cross-examination was due to be taken up Friday, but when he failed to appear before Special Judge M.L. Tahilyani, it sent alarm signals among the investigators.

While a team of Crime Branch officials rushed to his residence in Goregaon, a northwest Mumbai suburb, a complaint has also been registered with the local police.

When the Crime Branch team went to his residence Friday morning, his wife said Shaikh had left home early to go to the special court.