The 21-gun salute tradition during the cremation of former Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra could not be completed as all the 22 rifles brought for the purpose failed to fire.
Mishra passed away on August 19 and the cremation took place at Balua Bazar on Wednesday amid with full state honours.
In accordance with the tradition, a 21-gun salute had to be given to the departed soul. As the policemen got ready to fire from their guns, none of the guns could actually fire. The policemen tried their best but not a single firing-action could be carried out, the police said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and other senior police officials were present during the cremation process.
According to reports quoting eye-witnesses, even senior officers tried to make the guns work but failed to find any solution. The cremation rituals were completed without the gun salute.