Was it an assassination attempt? Or was it rivalry between ashram inmates? Theories swirled around Sathya Sai Baba, revered by millions across many countries, had escaped unhurt, and the assailants had been long-time devotees. Reports from the time say the knife-wielding intruders had entered the godman’s personal quarters in Prasanthi Nilayam, his ashram at Puttaparthi in Anatapur district. The driver and the cook were stabbed to death while trying to stop them. An alarm was raised and in the ensuing melee, the godman fled his room and the intruders locked themselves in it. The police, as the narrative went, climbed onto the first floor with ladders, forced open the door to the room and shot the attackers, as they claimed, in self-defence.