The Indian High Commission on Wednesday said it has launched a probe into reported "intrusion" of "certain unscrupulous elements and visa agents" in its online visa application system with an intend to manipulate the service.

"It has come to the notice of the High Commission of India, Dhaka that certain unscrupulous elements and visa agents have been trying to intrude into the online visa application system with the objective of blocking slots and apportioning them for a consideration," the High Commission said in a statement.

It said the High Commission wished to assure all visa applicants that "the matter is being investigated and preventive measures would be taken, at the earliest".

"The High Commission wishes to convey that unauthorised activities of such elements and agents are not only an impediment to the smooth functioning of the online visa application system but is causing grave inconvenience and distress to genuine travelers wishing to visit India," it read.

The statement came as a number of intending visitors in recent months complained that they could not log in the prescribed site for visa application but managed to get it in "unofficial channels" spending some extra money.