Why was there so much confusion and debate among the devotees immediately after Sai Baba left his body?

Chapter 44 explains that the confusion following Sai Baba's passing was due to a historical precedent. Devotees were doubtful whether Baba's state was a temporary trance (Samadhi) or actual death. This uncertainty stemmed from an event 32 years prior, when Baba had appeared to pass away for three days by drawing his life force into the crown of his head, only to suddenly return to his body. As recounted in this chapter, this memory caused everyone to become doubtful when his breath ceased permanently, leading to a 26-hour deliberation between Hindus and Muslims on how to handle the final rites.