The riot-hit Mau town is fast returning to normalcy with indefinite curfew -- clamped on October 14 -- relaxed on Friday from three to eight hours in a phased manner.

The curfew was relaxed for longer duration so that the minorities could attend the Alvida namaz on Friday, while it is expected to be lifted totally during the day time before Diwali.

According to Police Superintendent Sujit Pandey, the curfew was relaxed between 0900 and 1200 hours and again from 1500 to 1700 hours in the southern area of Mau, while the relaxation between 0900 to 1700 hours was given in northern parts.

He said elaborate security arrangements had been for Friday's special namaz on the last Friday of Ramzan.

Pandey informed 421 people had so far been arrested for inciting communal violence, while six people were apprehended for looting during the riots.