The Army has sacked an officer for having an affair with his colleague's 19-year-old daughter, calling his conduct "inappropriate," sources said. Following the action against the Lt Colonel, his wife met Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently to discuss the matter.

"The officer's wife had met the Minister recently and the matter was being looked into," sources in the Defence Ministry said. However, it seems his wife's plea for intervention has failed, and the Army is not likely to reverse the decision.

The officer in question can challenge the Army's decision in a civil court.

Sources said the matter was sensitive and had serious ramifications. After reviewing the situation, his actions were considered serious in nature and a decision to dismiss him was taken at the highest level.

The dismissal from service was as per provisions of administrative action that is quicker than disciplinary action.

There have been cases of officers being involved in illicit relationships with wives of their colleagues. "Stealing the affections of a brother officer's wife" is considered a grave offence in the armed forces that can lead to dismissal.

Such cases usually end up in civil courts after the General Court Martial proceedings.

There have been instances where courts have reinstated officers dismissed for being involved in extra-marital affairs.

"Such a case where an officer is involved with a colleague's daughter is rare," sources said.

The Army was tight-lipped and did not officially comment on the decision of sacking of the Lt Colonel.

The armed forces follow a strict and no-tolerance policy when it comes to extra-marital relationships and indulgences of officers to avoid grave ramifications on their functioning.