Bhubaneswar: Forest department personnel arrested a man for allegedly attempting to sell a pair of sambar antlers through an ad posted on a social media marketplace platform.The accused, identified as Preetam Pattnaik, was apprehended near Kendriya Vidyalaya-1 in Bhubaneswar during a decoy operation conducted by forest department personnel. The antlers were seized from his possession.“We apprehended the accused for possession and attempted sale of a pair of sambar antlers. The accused had advertised the antlers for sale on the marketplace section of a social media platform. Legal action is being initiated under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended. Further investigation is underway,” said city DFO Amaresh Pradhan.According to forest officials, the antlers had reportedly been advertised for sale at Rs 6 lakh. The department received information about the online advertisement through intelligence sources and subsequently launched an investigation. “We formed a team to track the individual behind the post. After gathering details, our personnel contacted him while posing as prospective buyers. A deal was negotiated and a trap was laid. The operation was successful and the accused was apprehended while attempting to hand over the antlers,” said Pradhan.The forest department is now probing the origin and authenticity of the social media post. Officials said a forensic examination will be conducted to determine whether the account used to advertise the antlers belonged to the accused, whether it was genuine or fake, and from where the post was uploaded.Investigators are also examining how the accused came into possession of the antlers and whether he was linked to any wider wildlife-related trade network.In addition, authorities plan to subject the seized antlers to scientific analysis, including carbon dating, to determine their age and gather further evidence for the case.Officials said the investigation is continuing to establish all circumstances surrounding the attempted sale and any possible violations of wildlife protection laws.