Why were Sai Baba's followers so confused and doubtful about whether he was truly dead after he stopped breathing?

The confusion and doubt among Sai Baba's followers stemmed from a remarkable past event, as referenced in Chapter 44. Thirty-two years prior to his final passing, Baba had an episode where he appeared to die. However, he had actually drawn his life force into the crown of his head and remained in that state for three days before suddenly returning to his body. Because of this precedent, when his breath ceased on Vijayadashami, his devotees were unsure if it was a final death or another deep samadhi (trance). This uncertainty led to twenty-six hours of deliberation between Hindus and Muslims about how to proceed with the final rites.