Chapter 44 mentions confusion and doubt among the people after Baba's breath stopped. What was the historical reason for this uncertainty?

The doubt and deliberation following Sai Baba's passing, as detailed in Chapter 44, stemmed from a remarkable event that had occurred 32 years prior. The text explains that on that previous occasion, Baba had drawn His life force into the crown of His head for three full days, appearing to be deceased. When everyone was certain of His death and began discussing final rites, He suddenly returned to His body, driving away their anxiety. Because of this past experience, when His breath ceased on Vijayadashami, people were doubtful whether it was a similar state of deep trance (Samadhi) or actual, final death, which is why they deliberated for twenty-six hours.