Belapur: When a woman wears the khaki uniform, she does more than maintain law and order—she inspires future generations. This International Women’s Day, Navi Mumbai celebrates a remarkable milestone with Prerna Katte becoming the first woman to be appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the city’s Crime Branch.

Hailing from a modest farming family in Satara district, Katte’s journey is a powerful story of determination and achievement. With no background in civil services in her family, she relied on her father’s encouragement and her own ambition to pursue her dream. “Since the 8th or 9th grade, I dreamed of becoming a civil servant,” she recalls.

After completing her degree in Agricultural Science (B.Sc. Agri), Katte cleared the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination on her very first attempt, notably without major external coaching. Since joining the police force in 2016, she has served in Satara, Kolhapur, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Mumbai, earning recognition for her dedication and strong leadership.

Now posted in Navi Mumbai’s Crime Branch, ACP Katte is focused on tackling key challenges such as economic offences, preventing chain-snatching incidents, and strengthening crime detection and prevention strategies.

“In the police force, the training is gruelling and does not discriminate between genders. Despite suffering a serious leg injury during training and managing the emotional strain of staying away from family, she remained determined. I have never experienced gender bias at work; ultimately, it is your performance and merit that speak,” says Katte.

Beyond her professional achievements, Katte is also a mother to a 20-month-old daughter. She credits her husband, Sujay Shinde, an Assistant Commissioner in the GST department, and her family for their constant support. “The time I spend with my daughter after duty is my greatest solace,” she shares.

Sharing her message for young girls, she says, “If you dream of joining the force, do not hesitate. Strengthen yourself mentally and be ready to face any challenge head-on.”