GORAKHPUR, Dec. 18 -- The income tax (I-T) department widened its search operations across multiple cities and locations in the Gorakhpur and Basti divisions on Wednesday, launching a fresh large-scale operation at the premises of five prominent businessmen. Based on facts and records obtained during Tuesday's searches, the department expanded the investigation to additional locations, officials said. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Records at multiple premises are being scrutinised, and all findings will be assessed for further action. The investigation is primarily focused on financial irregularities and unexplained transactions." I-T teams on Wednesday reached Hariom Nagar in Gorakhpur and conducted searches at several locations, including Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA) Sector-15. The expanded action follows evidence gathered during searches conducted over the previous two days. Officials said that approximately 220 officers and staff members participated in the operation, with teams arriving from Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Prayagraj. Simultaneous searches were conducted at residential premises, business establishments, and factories across Gorakhpur, Deoria, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, and Basti districts. The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into discrepancies involving income beyond declared sources, tax evasion, and suspicious financial transactions. Investigators seized a large number of documents and digital records, which are being examined for further verification. "We are thoroughly reviewing all relevant documents and records to determine the extent of any violations," an IT official said During the operation, teams inspected automobile showrooms, solvent factories, bottling units, real estate offices, and the offices of chartered accountants linked to the individuals under scrutiny....