Prerana Katte’s journey in Indian policing is nothing short of remarkable. In March 2026, she became the first woman ACP of the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch, a milestone that reflects her determination and courage. Her rise through the ranks of the Maharashtra Police is not just about professional success; it is also about breaking barriers in a field that has long been dominated by men.
Her story is inspiring because it shows how a young girl from a farming family in Satara could dream big and turn that dream into reality. From her early decision to join civil services to her current role in one of the most challenging branches of policing, Prerana’s life is a lesson in perseverance. She has faced physical injuries, social stereotypes, and professional hurdles, yet she has continued to move forward with confidence.
Prerana Katte Age, Husband, Career, Family, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prerana Katte |
| Birth Year | 1990 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 36 years |
| Birthplace | Satara, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Education | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Agriculture |
| Civil Services Exam | Cleared MPSC in 2016 (first attempt) |
| Husband | Sujay Shinde (Government Official) |
| Children | One daughter – Vidhitsa |
| First Posting | Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Satara (2017) |
| Major Roles | Kolhapur (2020), ACP Pimpri-Chinchwad (2022), Azad Maidan Mumbai (2025), Economic Offences Wing Navi Mumbai (2025) |
| Historic Achievement | First Woman ACP, Navi Mumbai Crime Branch (2026) |
Early Life and Family Roots
Prerana was born in 1990 in Satara, Maharashtra, into a humble farming family. Her father had once dreamed of joining the civil services but could not achieve it. That unfulfilled dream became a source of motivation for Prerana. She grew up in a rural environment where discipline, honesty, and hard work were valued. As of March 2026, Prerana Katte is 36 years old.
As a child, Prerana was deeply curious about officers and their work. She would read about them in newspapers and even cut out articles to keep as inspiration. By the time she was in Class 8 or 9, she had already decided that she wanted to join the civil services.
Education and Academic Journey
She completed her schooling in Satara, where she was known as a bright and disciplined student. Unlike many children who change their career goals often, Prerana had already decided by Class 8 or 9 that she wanted to join the civil services.
After finishing school, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. During her college years, she balanced her studies with preparation for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams. Preparing for civil services is never easy, but Prerana showed remarkable focus. Her dedication paid off when she cleared the MPSC exam in 2016 on her very first attempt.
Marriage and Family Life
Behind every successful officer is a supportive family, and Prerana Katte’s life is no different. She is married to Sujay Shinde, who himself works as a government official. Their marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding, which has helped her balance the demanding responsibilities of policing with her personal life.
The couple has a daughter named Vidhitsa, who is the centre of their world. Prerana often speaks about how motherhood has given her strength and patience. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time for her family, showing that it is possible to balance professional duties with personal happiness. She does not have a son, and her family remains small but close-knit.
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Career Beginnings: From Training to First Posting
Prerana’s professional journey began soon after she cleared the MPSC exam. During her training, she faced a major challenge when she suffered an ankle fracture. Many would have slowed down or even given up, but Prerana continued her training with determination.
Her first posting came in 2017 as Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Satara. This role was significant because it placed her directly in charge of law and order in a region she knew well. Handling local issues, managing teams, and responding to public needs gave her practical experience that shaped her career.
Major Postings and Achievements
In 2020, she was posted in Kolhapur, where she took strong action against illegal gambling. Her work in this area was widely appreciated because gambling had become a serious issue in the region. Later, in 2022, she was appointed ACP in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a fast-growing city near Pune. This posting was important because the city faced issues related to urban crime and public safety.
Her career continued to rise when she was posted at Azad Maidan, Mumbai in 2025, where she managed large public gatherings and protests. In the same year, she also worked in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Navi Mumbai, where she dealt with financial fraud cases. Finally, in March 2026, she became the first woman ACP of the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch.
Leadership and Mentorship
Prerana is not only known for her postings but also for her leadership style. She believes in discipline, fairness, and empathy. Her colleagues often say that she leads by example, showing the same dedication she expects from her team.
She also served as Vice Principal at the Police Training Centre in Khandala, where she mentored young recruits. Training future officers is a responsibility that requires patience and vision, and Prerana took this role seriously. She guided recruits on both professional skills and personal values, reminding them that policing is about serving people with honesty.
Challenges and Resilience
Prerana’s journey has not been without challenges. One of the earliest was her ankle fracture during training, which could have slowed her down. Instead, she continued her training and proved her resilience.
Another challenge has been working in a male-dominated environment. Policing in India has traditionally been seen as a man’s job, and women officers often face stereotypes. Prerana had to prove herself repeatedly, showing that she was just as capable as her male colleagues.
Interesting Facts About Prerana Katte
- She cleared the MPSC exam in her very first attempt in 2016, which is rare among aspirants.
- As a schoolgirl, she used to cut out newspaper articles about officers and keep them as motivation.
- She suffered an ankle fracture during training but continued without giving up.
- She has worked in diverse postings, from Satara to Kolhapur, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai, showing her adaptability.
- She served as Vice Principal at the Police Training Centre in Khandala, mentoring young recruits.
- She is known for her firm action against crime and financial fraud, earning respect across Maharashtra.
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